By Jodie Nesling
A crowdfunding campaign to secure the future of a Cliftonville art studios has been launched.
Members of Resort need to generate £10,000 to cover legal costs to negotiate a new lease after the owner of the historic Pettman’s building put the property on the market for £1.2m.
The gallery and workspace has more than 40 members and was set up in 2013 as a creative community hub.
Artists have donated pieces to sell, including an exclusive tote bag and a pair of framed photographs by local artist Jon Spencer, and so far £2,994 has been raised. They are currently seeking legal advice over the lease agreement.
Director and co-founder Dan Chilcott says a huge amount of time and effort has been spent over the years improving the building and now fighting to save it.
He said: “We have invested huge amounts of time, effort, love and money to get this far. We now need help to protect our long-term future in this wonderful building.”
The project space has hosted workshops, exhibitions and the Duchess of Cambridge visited after viewing the Self exhibition at Turner Contemporary.
Resort attempted to list the building as an asset of community value to shore up their case, but this was rejected by Thanet council in March.
Resort Director Nick Morley said: “We need to raise £10,000 to pay for legal fees and court costs to secure our lease and to carry on doing what we have done for the last seven years. We are humbled and delighted with the amount of support the community has already shown us, but we need much more help to reach our target.”
Find the fundraising pge at https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/resortstudios
