The idea
With Covid restrictions having stopped us opening for business, now we're open we'd like your help to support the next phase of the project which is to - refurbish the ground floor into our shop and café so you can not only see and purchase some great art, but there is an area where we can welcome you to the gallery and offer you some refreshments during your visit. - D31 is all about engaging with the wider community and by supporting us in this project, we’ll be able to further open the gallery as a creative space for people to learn about art, participate in workshops and learn about art appreciation as a means to a sustainable economy. With your help we can provide a space that can leverage the arts community to help boost tourism and visitor numbers.
What we'll deliver
- A refurbished shop and shop front which will enhance the visual appeal of Scot Lane
- Pay contractors to fit out the shop and workshop areas
- Set up a café to encourage people to stop and engage with the gallery and act as a destination for the arts
- Buy and install the necessary equipment to operate the shop
- Train the artists on how to sell art works
- Purchase easels, tables and art materials in order so start the workshop programme
Why it's a great idea
•Provide artists with a professional outlet for their work both physically in the gallery and online
• be a centre for the arts in Doncaster by hosting artist talks and running art courses and workshops for all ages and abilities
• engage with local communities and support groups to use art to mentor those suffering with mental health issues
• improve the wellbeing of the community by taking exhibitions and projects into the local area to harness the transformative power of the arts
• work with schools to expose children to the vibrant visual arts sector in Doncaster by taking touring exhibitions into the classroom
• inspire children to creativity and make art a normal part of their lives
• gain a new audience for the Doncaster visual arts sector which will inspire more interest and pride in the town
• help art students with a pathway for their future careers
• allow for internships to teach artists and students valuable business skills.
Steps to get it done
- Renovate the shop and façade
- Fit out the workshop area
- Purchase the art materials for the workshops
- Establish and advertise the workshop programme
- Train the artists in the operation of the shop area
- Open the shop and café area to the public
- Run first workshops and artist talks
The ground floor of the gallery at the moment is a derelict shop unit and we would like to reclaim and refurbish this space for the benefit of the town center and the general public.
The D31 Art Gallery on Scot Lane is a newly created creative hub, art gallery and exhibition space in the heart of the city of Doncaster. It was created by an initial collaboration of around 20 artists under the guidance of local artist Chinwe Russell all of whom were looking to expand their artistic practices and have a dedicated outlet for their creative talents. From the initial meetings in February 2020, the gallery was created and since then, work has taken place, within the restrictions imposed by Covid and although the gallery has yet to open to the public, it has undergone an initial transformation which has allowed for the inaugural exhibition to be hung whilst waiting for the doors to open.