Shoe factory visual artists given the boot

Artists appeal for available space as disused factory is earmarked for development.

Thursday 20th May 2010

Since 2007, local visual artists from across Norwich have used the old Bally shoe factory on Hall Road as a studio and exhibition space. Over the three years of its use, the 'Art Factory' has housed independent artists alongside community arts projects, such as carnival suppliers Tin House. By and large, it seems a happy standing was acheived:

“We’ve been tenants there for around 3 and-a-half years, and we’ve been very lucky. We’ve been given a good home at the Art Factory."

(Ali Mackenzie, Tin House).

Saturday will see an exhibition, as part of Norfolk Open Studios, that will highlight work from the Factory over 3 weekends. Last years' 700-strong public audience also saw work displayed from the Sprowston Day Care centre.

Yet it seems that even the most noble community initiatives must sometimes suffer setbacks. Given just 3 weeks to vacate the premises, those artists resident in the Factory must now look elsewhere for workspace. This comes as a blow to all - the final exit date being only 48 hrs after a large exhibition.

Targetfollow, a countrywide company providing community space for local projects, have big, perhaps even more noble, plans for the site. Ideas for a new Asda - the well-known, 24hr community shopping experience that 'provides cheap gruel to those wanting to make a difference'- are rumoured to be on the table.

The news should come as no surprise for those involved. There is a desperate lack of quality workspace availble to local artists currently. The lucky few already with workshops and studios must hang on tight. Ali Mackenzie:

"We are losing a valuable space in losing the Factory. It’s going to be missed.”

So what could be the answer to the lack of available space? Factory artist K.R Pomeroy thinks he has a solution:

"We need a civically-owned art space. There are two models I am aware of in France. A space which anyone can use, once their name comes to the top of the list. The better solution for professional artists who live locally, which also operates is a civically owned space which is allocated to artists by selection".

A nice idea. For now, however, theose at the Factory are appealing to anyone with spare space that might be on offer.

Martin Laurance, a local artist with internationally exhibited work, said:

“It’s a shock how little notice we’ve been given. We were always told we’d be given 2 or 3 months warning. We’ve been given a very small window of time to find alternative accommodation.”