The creative duo behind arts organisation Shoreline are opening a new venture in Westgate on Monday (November 11).
Sarah Gibbon and Vivienne Rose already run Margate Made and The Eclectic Art Gallery in Margate Old Town.
They are now getting set to open The Westgate Galleria in Station Road.
The venue will provide dedicated display and retail high-street space for Kent’s artists, makers, crafters and creatives to showcase their talents.
The Galleria will sell 2d and 3d art in a large, bright and airy shop. Small independent creative business owners will rent individual shelves, tables and wall spaces to display their work, and also work in the galleria space to meet and engage with their customers, and keep running and rental costs low.
Westgate Galleria will be offering its customers a wide and diverse range of handmade products to choose from, suitable as collectibles, gifts and home decor, at price points that are suitable for all pockets. It will also be stocking greeting cards and stationery.
The duo’s aim is to contribute to the development of thriving, economically successful, and community-focused high street spaces that meet the needs of Thanet’s residents, and tourists.
Westgate Galleria also has spaces for hire that can be used for teaching classes, and for meeting with clients and colleagues, and a community create-and-chat area for local makers to get to know each other and share their skills in an inspiring and supportive environment.
Sarah and Vivienne said: “We are currently fitting the Galleria out and we will be inviting everyone in our local community to a launch party.
“We have been overwhelmed with the enthusiastic support shown to us so far by Westgate’s residents and other businesses, and by all the creative and talented people keen to show off their beautiful work in our new space.”
To find out more about renting and hiring space in the Westgate Galleria,email [email protected]
The Eclectic Art Gallery
The pair also run The Eclectic Art Gallery which was established in 2016 by an artists collective.
Shoreline took on the gallery lead role in September when artist Ian Barrowcliffe stepped down.
They are now helping the team to expand the range of art on sale, and to run exhibitions and other activities. The gallery’s mission is to showcase the talents of Kent-based artists, with regularly changing displays to appeal to the extra visitors predicted for the area during the Turner Prize’s Margate Now programme.
The team is working with the landlord of the building – the Crown Chambers – to develop a creative community hub and exhibition space next door.
Sarah said: “ We’re keen to hear from local business owners, councillors, residents and anyone else who might want to join us in developing a bid to improve lighting and wayfinding signage in this area. We feel this is needed to support and develop the footfall in the Old Town, High Street and other areas of Margate and Cliftonville, to support their businesses and tourist attractions.
The duo has invested in new lighting and signage, and have adapted the layout of the gallery space, so there are now more wall and cabinet spaces available for rent. Anyone interested can email [email protected] or [email protected].
Margate Made
The Margate Made Christmas fair is also taking place this month on Saturday, November 23 from 11am to 3pm at The Margate School in the High Street (formerly Woolworths).
The event has free entry, some 45+stalls selling high quality arts and crafts, handmade in Thanet, plus lots of creative, free, or nearly-free, activities for all the family to try out and enjoy.