Art on display but gallery organiser asks for help

Published 2 Oct 2008 01:00 0 Comments

A TOWN centre gallery has unveiled its latest exhibition - but the venue organiser says more needs to be done to support art in Reading.

Gallery 10 in Gun Street in Reading is hosting its first exhibition of work by art lecturers from Thames Valley University.

Artist Zoë Funge-Smith, one of the organisers, said: "The diversity of the work here is stunning. We've been organising events as artists for four years around Reading off our own backs, but there's been no support from the council in terms of creating a culture in the town.

"When you look at towns like Oxford and Bracknell, there's so much going on. And yet we get nothing. The only support has been from three local businessmen out of the goodness of their hearts."

The space has been provided by Danny Fraidfield and Greg Muden, owners of the Purple Turtle bar next door, and businessman Steve Tait.

Ms Funge-Smith said: "If the council could cough up the rent and the rates we could have something really vibrant and that benefits the community as a whole. It would be great to have something more permanent.

"We never know how long this is going to go on for because the building is going to be renovated. The gallery is really popular and we would like to have an exhibition of children's art work and school's GCSE and A Level art work. We'd also like to have life drawing classes and do lots more things, but without some financial support we can't do it."

Reading Borough Council spokeswoman Sarah Bishton said: "This year alone, the council has awarded almost £50,000 to arts organisations in Reading, adding to the tens of thousands of pounds that many groups have received in previous years."

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This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 01 Jan 70

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