Skipton Art Series draws 3,000 more visitors to Jersey Museum

Sunday 15 October 2017

The Link Gallery’s Summer Takeover has helped bring in 3,000 more visitors than last year to Jersey Museum between May and July, bringing the total of visitors to 11,000.

The exhibition space, which is sponsored by Skipton International, was loaned to the Jersey Arts Trust over the summer to showcase local artwork and host community projects and workshops.

Between May and July, the Skipton Arts Series hosted performances, exhibitions and workshops at the Link Gallery to showcase local talent. These included an exhibition of work from Sam Carney’s ‘Sketchwalks’ workshop, a dramatic performance by Amber Hahn and an overview of the ‘Mural Project’ which took place at various locations around St Helier. A ‘Terrarium Making Workshop’ hosted by Will Bertram also proved popular, with tickets selling out quickly.

Events held at the Link Gallery contributed to a significant rise in paying visitors to the Jersey Museum for the year to date: 21,000 compared to last year’s 15,000.

Chris Addy, Sites Curator for Jersey Heritage, said: “It has been a pleasure working with the Jersey Arts Trust over the summer to deliver a full programme of fresh and inspiring exhibitions, workshops and performances which has considerably raised the profile of the Link Gallery. We would like to say a big thank you to the JAT and all participating artists and we look forward to working with you again.”

Alice Bravery, Producer at Jersey Arts Trust, said: “This is the first opportunity we’ve had in a gallery space to really involve the community in what was being exhibited. Alongside artists’ work were the terrariums and sketches of those that attended the workshops as well as evidence of how the art projects, such as the Paper Talks, were received by the public. We are extremely grateful to Jersey Heritage for allowing us to use the Link Gallery and believe we were successful in bringing fresh direction to the space.”

Lorraine McLean, Mortgage Sale Manager, Skipton International, said: “This collaboration looked to connect with the local community and inspire them to get more involved with local arts and celebrated artists. I’m delighted to see it was received in such a positive manner and hope that people will continue to visit the Link Gallery. I hope that Skipton, through its continued support of the Skipton Art Series, has played a part in creating new audiences for local artists.”

The Skipton Art Series’ Mural Project continued in October with artist Ben Robertson beginning his mural painting at the junction between Grenville Street and La Colomberie. The Link Gallery’s current exhibition is called ‘Into the Trees’ by Nicola Hughes. Her powerful images of winter trees which will be on display until 29 October.