Volunteer-Run Gallery Secures New Location at Eleventh Hour

A gallery operated by volunteers, which had concerns about losing its location, has secured a new space at the eleventh hour. Trapezium Arts previously occupied a vacant retail unit within Bradford’s Kirkgate Shopping Centre. Nevertheless, the gallery was compelled to conclude its yearly open art exhibition prematurely upon learning that the retail space had been rented out. On Sunday, while volunteers were in the process of packing their belongings, they received notification that they could utilize an alternative empty retail unit situated only two doors down. Pauline Cooke, 60, a founding member of the group, stated that they had been issued notice two weeks prior because an individual expressed interest in renting the unit. “That’s how Meanwhile Spaces work. When a commercial business wants it then unfortunately you have to move on.” The objective of Meanwhile Spaces is to connect landlords with unoccupied properties to community organizations requiring space, either without cost or at a reduced rental rate. Ms Cooke mentioned feeling somewhat emotional about the necessity to vacate and conclude their exhibition, which typically extends until Christmas, ahead of schedule, but expressed relief at the offer of a new unit. “There’s a lot of work ahead, but we are all fairly positive.” The Open Exhibition held this year showcased 160 pieces by over 60 artists, all originating from the Bradford district. Caro Blount-Shah, 69, a resident of Bradford, was among the artists displaying her creations. “It’s exciting to have a new start, actually, although there are lots of things that will need doing here,” she stated. She commented that the announcement of the new unit would provide an ongoing opportunity for artists within the city and its environs to exhibit their art. “We’re gradually building a base of lots of artists and I’m really pleased to be part of that.” A collective of local artists established the group six years ago, and Stuart Wilde, 62, is also an artist and a founding member. “There’s talks of maybe groups like art workshops, which we didn’t do a lot of in the old space. “But we might here because it lends itself to having a gallery and some space at the back for workshops. So this will have its own flavour.”