The Harbour Gallery in St. Aubin has said that funding struggles, “rising rents and overheads” are just some of the difficulties that they and other arts organisations are currently fighting against.
This news comes amid growing concerns for the future of venues like the Arts Centre and the Opera House, whose States’ funding for next year still hasn’t been confirmed.
Pictured: The future of Jersey’s arts organisations has been thrown into doubt as their funding for next year hasn’t been confirmed by the Treasury.
Harbour Gallery Manager Pat Robson said: “We’re all aware of the struggles that the arts community is facing with funding and we aren’t immune as an organisation.
“Rising rents and overheads mean it is a constant battle to do more with less whilst keeping people engaged and visiting the Gallery.”
Pat is therefore urging islanders to show their “support for those trying to carve out a career as an artist or craftworker” given the difficulties the sector is experiencing, which emerged as part of an independent review of the island’s art industry earlier this year.
“Over the festive season I would encourage the public to take a trip to the Opera House, the Arts Centre or one of the island’s galleries, try out a life drawing class or a music lesson to remind ourselves of how much creative talent, opportunity and enjoyment there is through the arts on the island,” Pat added.
Over the holidays, the Harbour Gallery is hosting an exhibition of local artists, many of whom are Genuine Jersey members.