New space opens for city creatives

A new space for creatives in Wolverhampton has opened its doors following a renovation project.

The Quarter Contemporary Arts Space, in School Street, will be a hub for local artists in the Black Country to showcase their work.

It is located near to the Asylum Artist Studios in Darlington Street – and Asylum Art Gallery is located in Chapel Ash.

The gallery will run through a monthly fee membership scheme, with members of the collective having their say over activities that are on offer at the gallery.

Owner Hannah Taylor-Salter, said: “It will be a commercial gallery and have extra space for contemporary art and artists studios. The two floors above are currently filled with artists.

"It is the only commercial gallery in the city so it is a place for local artists to sell their work.

“Members will also be able to have access to the space, computers, internet, facilities and a space to sell and showcase work.

“As well as the commercial space we will also have an event space as we have a stage and we are also hoping to run workshops in the future.”

Work began on the site in September last year, in a bid to give more accessible spaces for artists to connect and work in the city centre.

Originally, it was hoped that the gallery would open mid-January, but due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions this date was pushed back until Thursday, April 15.

Hannah added: “We wanted to open in time for the British Art Show 9 in January next year, which is the largest touring art show in the country – the idea is to have a space for artists to show their work ahead of the show.

“There are no other professional gallery spaces in Wolverhampton for local visual artists to showcase their work commercially.

“The Quarter will act as a hub for local artists. Even while we are closed we can showcase pieces in our window as it is front facing.”

For further information about The Quarter, or becoming a member, contact the gallery on 07775 433314.