Spotlight on New House Art Space in Guildford
Each month we've been going behind the scenes of Surrey's cultural landscape with our Culture Chats. This month we spoke to Lauren Thompson, Gallery Curator and Studio Manager, at New House Art Space.
This creative community brings people from all different disciplines together, including emerging artists and those who are more established, offering each other a strong balance of support and inspiration.
A creative community
Dom Frazer, founder of The Boileroom Music and Art Studios took on the New House building in late 2021, when it was earmarked for demolition. After refurbishing during that year, it opened its doors and now accommodates 20 artist studios, a reception, café, gallery, and an exhibition/workshop space.
The studios are occupied by a mix of people working in different disciplines. Current resident Nerrisa Pratt is the creator of The Bargello Edit, a contemporary tapestry craft company specialising in fantastic kits and supplies. Her studio neighbours include Mads Ellegård Skovbakke, a cartoonist/ illustrator, and Kazland, a visual artist creating paintings, prints, books and clothing. On the top floor are The Logical Choice offices, which offer creative production services, such as fine-art printing and graphic design.
Lauren says, "It's really beautiful to see the different collaborations that come from people sharing a creative space. It's an inspiring building to come into every morning, with residents congregating in the café area, talking about what they are working on. As people get to know each other, they start discussing ways of collaborating. There's a great sense of community"
Exhibitions and events
The exhibition programme at New House is varied and changes regularly. Lauren says,
"Our wonderful residents have a showcase in the gallery 4 to 9 May and we are very excited. It is a great opportunity to view some of the residents' latest projects, in many disciplines, from fine art to furniture."
The upcoming photography exhibition 'Inside Out' is a partnership project supported by Guildford Arts and the mental health organisation, Oakleaf. The exhibition will feature portraits of ten local people to highlight mental health issues.
Read the New House Art Space article in full on the Surrey Culture web pages.
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