This is about the future of Bristol
The sad loss of my studio and a vital growing cultural space.
I’ve written previously about Jamaica Street Studios and the value of being embedded in the community of that studio building. Well, that is under threat as the building will be going up for sale and very likely turned into “posh flats” or similar.
Not only will be this an devastating loss for all of the studio holders, but also a gaping hole for Bristol’s future cultural landscape - particularly as over the last year we have launched a new exhibition, workshop and events space on our ground floor.
Incredibly, we’ve been offered first dibs at buying the building. We’ve a few months to raise the necessary funds and a deadline of the end of this year to buy the building.
The government has already pledged 500k (Community Ownership Grant) providing we can match-fund that with 125k. I would love to direct your attention to our Crowdfunder page that we launched to try and come close to raising that amount.
We’re in our final week and already we’ve hit our inital 85k target and we’re in the final push to hit 100k, maybe (hopefully) even more, as every single bit will help. We’d love to get to the full 125k required… do you know any philanthropists?
It’s already been an overwhelmingly emotional journey. We’ve been blown away by the support and all the messages encouraging us on this tough mission to save the building.
Even legendary snooker player Steve Davis has fully endorsed our efforts, lending his presenter flair to our Crowdfunder video (see below). And, The Guardian highlighted our battle in a thoughtful article too.
As with any well respecting fundraiser there are rewards for those generous enough to support us - Please take a look.
For those with very deep pockets our biggest reward offering is to become a ‘Founder’ of our building. Yes! We’ll create a bespoke wall plaque celebrating you as one of our 10 founders. Create a legacy!
But, you can simply gift us an amount - and seriously - any amount, no matter how small is helpful.
I should highlight the rewards I’ve contributed:
£60 or more
3 remaining
Portfolio review with Dave Bain
1 hr portfolio review with illustrator and AOI mentor Dave Bain, either online or in-person, suitable for illustrators at any stage of their career.
£1,500 or more
2 remaining
Bespoke Mural by Dave Bain
Bespoke 2m x 2m mural designed and painted by illustrator and muralist Dave Bain. Value £2000.
Thank you for taking the time to consider supporting our cause.
… back soon with an ‘Inspiration Matters’.