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Columnist Robert Wareing-Jones sets out his argument for why Jersey needs its a new dedicated arts, exhibitions and cultural events centre.
"The Skipton Big Ideas Exhibition that took place in St. Helier’s Town Church recently was designed to welcome the whole Island community, and most assuredly an exhibition and event that Jersey can be proud of.
Taking place across three weeks between Thursday 14 October and Thursday 4 November 2021, the exhibition completely transformed the church building with installations, artworks and creative lighting.
The show marked the decade anniversary of ArtHouse Jersey partnering with Skipton International, a relationship that has delivered ten impactful community art projects over that time.
Video: A quick tour of the exhibition. (David Conway/Bailiwick Express)
Skipton Big Ideas' aim with this exhibition was to engage the whole community in a debate around how we might create a more inclusive and sustainable future for the island.
ArtHouse Jersey commissioned over 30 artists for Skipton Big Ideas, representing a major investment in the island's cultural sector, and each of the artists deserve huge credit for the sheer brilliance of their work.
Having had the privilege to view the exhibition on more than one occasion, I was struck by just what an amazing setting for this exhibition the Town Church was. This building, which has stood in the heart of the community for over 800 hundred years, with its beautiful architecture, and stained glass windows, on their own beautiful pieces of art, and within an atmosphere so clearly perfect for anyone to view not only the art of the exhibition, but also the history of this much loved place of worship, could not have been better chosen.
Pictured: 'Phoenix' by Kerry Jane Warner and Margarida Lourenco Olivier, one of the 20 art installations at the Town Church.
I also have it on good authority that the regular worshipers in Town Church have been only too pleased to welcome the artists, their sponsors, and in particular the team from ArtHouse.
One could easily understand the comments of those leaving the building who expressed how inspired and challenged they felt after their visit. All the more then to ask the question- Why is it we do not have a permanent place for exhibitions such as these in Jersey? Our island is blessed with so many who excel in the arts.
Deputy Inna Gardiner has been widely reported recently sharing her frustrations at the lack of will by Jersey’s government to make use of its property portfolio managed by Jersey Property Holdings. Across the island we can all view a number of buildings left empty or underused from our cars or whilst we travel on the bus, bike or on foot.
There have been calls on numerous occasions for Property Holdings to work imaginatively with the community and corporations to find sensible use of these buildings.
How many more times must States Members ask in Question Time for explanations as to why Picquet House and La Folie Inn for example is still left empty? There is also a very large building in St. Saviour that has been mentioned more than once in recent debate rather a lot too!
Pictured: La Folie is one of several buildings currently sitting empty.
Of course, the need for housing dominates debate constantly, and various options have been put forward as to how some of these buildings might be redeveloped, renovated or repurposed. Little action to date appears to be the outcome thus far!
It is also worth mentioning that there are a few buildings in the care of the faith community including significant church buildings no longer in use for regular worship.
Looking back at the excellence of the Skipton Big Ideas Exhibition working with ArtHouse Jersey, and having the opportunity to meet some of those responsible for this wonderful event, I cannot feel the time is now right for the Government of Jersey and others to come together and find a permanent building suitable for the wonderful community that is Jersey’s artists and musicians.
So for Art’s Sake and all islanders, dear Council of Ministers, as you plan ‘Building back Better’ in Jersey, can we have our own Centre for the Arts, please?
The buildings are available, so let's use them.
