Two Margate artists have blasted the Turner Contemporary gallery for not encouraging local talent.
They have hit out at what they say is the organisation’s unwillingness to include isle artists in its plans and a bias towards London exhibitors.
Model and artist Gabrielle Gothe and her friend, alternative and artistic photographer David Watkins, want their work considered for inclusion in the gallery in Margate high street, which is known as the Turner Contemporary Project Space.
Gabrielle, 21, said: “We approached the Turner in the summer to ask them if we could get involved, but we were rejected.
“They turned their noses up at us and told us to come back in two years’ time! I love the fact the Turner is being built – it will bring so much to Margate, but it should be for everyone.
“That old Marks and Spencer building could be used for so much – there could be a mix of local art and work by others. I thought the idea of the building was to consider work from people in the area to showcase the talent here.
“Show art from London by all means, but give us some space as well.”
David, 50, added: “There is a vast amount of wall space in there and they could at least dedicate one wall to local artists.
He added: “Art is in the eye of the beholder, but we really would like everyone who is an artist to have their work beheld.”
He said he thought the chances of locals getting to exhibit inside the project space were “slim”.
A spokesman for the Turner responded: “It was helpful to hear David and Gabrielle’s comments. Artists are core to the work of the organisation and we are striving to engage with and support artists, locally, nationally and internationally.
“Currently we support artists by providing free professional development and networking opportunities through the ARC scheme.
“Since 2002 more than 1,000 local artists have taken advantage of this scheme, most recently through an evening where local artists were invited to present and discuss their work with other artists, as well as staff, including our director.”
He added: “We recognise the need to provide a platform for local artists, and to raise the profile of the wealth of artistic talent across the county, which is why next year we are launching the Turner Contemporary Open.
“This open submission exhibition is specifically for professional artists living and working in Kent.
“The final exhibition will be selected by an invited panel and we shall be advertising for artists’ submissions in the New Year.
“The first Turner Contemporary Open will take place in the Project Space on Margate high street and it is hoped this will become a regular feature of the programme in the new gallery.”
But David and Gabrielle said staff were rude to them when they approached the organisation to talk about the chance to exhibit their work.
The spokesman said: “The staff at Droit House and the Project Space usually receive praise for their enthusiasm and helpfulness, so I can only apologise for David and Gabrielle’s experience when they visited Droit House earlier this year and assure them we shall discuss the matter with our team.
“I would be very pleased to have the opportunity to meet the artists soon.”
POSTED: 09/12/2008 20:00:00
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