Calling All Artists: Help Raise the Roof at New Park Centre with Silent Art Auction
Artists across the region are being invited to lend their creativity to a powerful community cause this summer, as New Park Centre launches a special Silent Art Auction in support of its ambitious RAISE THE ROOF campaign.
The much-loved Chichester venue is aiming to raise £450,000 to replace the roof of its historic Victorian building, a vital project that will secure the future of one of the city’s most important community creative hubs.
For decades, New Park Centre has provided free and affordable exhibition space for local artists, offering invaluable opportunities to showcase work, curate exhibitions and build confidence in presenting to the public. As creative spaces become increasingly scarce, protecting accessible venues like this has never been more important.
The Silent Art Auction, taking place this June, will see donated artworks exhibited at the Centre before being offered to the public through a silent bidding process. Each piece will be displayed with artist information and a guide price, with all proceeds going directly towards safeguarding the building, which serves as a creative hub in the heart of Chichester.
The initiative was inspired by exhibitor Ghislaine Davis, whose From Norway exhibition began this year's display programme at the New Park Centre. Davis has donated a significant oil painting, The Wheelbarrow Club, from her Chichester collection to support the campaign. Her work will form one of the centrepieces of the auction exhibition later this year.
Now, organisers are calling on artists, including those who have previously taken part in Chichester Open Studios, to consider donating a piece to help protect the very space that has supported so many creative journeys.
“This is about artists supporting artists,” Centre Manager, Allison McDonald-Hughes said. “By contributing a piece of work, artists are investing in the future of a space that exists for them and for the wider community.”
Artists who donate will benefit from exhibition exposure throughout June, reaching new audiences while contributing to a lasting legacy for the city’s arts scene.
The RAISE THE ROOF campaign is not only inviting artists to contribute work but is also encouraging the wider community to get involved. Residents, groups and local businesses are being urged to create their own fundraising activities, from coffee mornings and sponsored challenges to community events, all in aid of protecting this much-loved building.
For more information about how to donate artwork or organise a fundraising activity, send us an email or pop in.
With the roof secured, the creativity can continue to flourish for generations to come.