Studios go into administration
Artists and public finish off the Trinity Walk development wall at the Westgate Studios, Wakefield. Richard Wheater with David Lindsay painting part of the image. w7932a918
AN ARTISTS’ studios that has been at the forefront of Wakefield’s cultural revolution has been forced into administration.
Westgate Studios opened above Reflex nightclub in March 2007, after they were forced out of their old home, the ArtsMill on the Waterfront, to make way for the Hepworth gallery.
But despite three years of artistic highs, including the development of the hugely successful Art Walk, the Studios will close at the end of the month after mounting costs made staying impossible.
Studio development manager Elinor Unwin said the decision to go into administration was a tough one.
She said: “When we first moved to the building we knew it would be difficult to meet the costs.
“It happened in such a short timescale we took a commercial lease, which was a lot more expensive.
“We had plans to develop onto the first and ground floors of the building, but when another nightclub was licensed below us it was the final straw.
“It’s such a shame, the Studios were something different for Westgate other than fast food and nightclubs.”
Ms Unwin has temporarily moved to The Art House and is trying to find an alternative venue for the studio’s artists in the city.
They are looking for any unused warehouse-style space to accommodate up to 20 artists, with running water, light and heating.
She said: “In some ways it will be a fresh start. So many of the artists are passionate about staying in Wakefield and developing visual arts here. Now is the chance to focus on new projects without worrying about having to get money coming in.”
Anyone who can help should contact Ms Unwin by e-mail on info@westgatestudios.net or on 01924 377740.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Wakefield
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
Your view
Please sign in to be able to comment on this story.