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24
Aug
'Collaborating is the way forward': Harrogate artist on how to keep galleries afloat
Six Harrogate art galleries have closed in less than a year, with Castle Fine Art the latest victim.
But what has caused the seeming collapse in the gallery business? And what can people do to support those we have left?
We spoke to Anita Bowerman, artist and owner of Dove Tree Art Gallery, to get her expert insight.
She said:
I don’t think people have stopped buying art, but more people have moved to buying it online. The main problem is the costs that come with having a physical shop – the business rates, the costs of employing staff.
Ms Bowerman credits her success to being a “one-woman band”, selling mostly her own work, meaning she doesn’t pay salaries or commission to artists.
The artist has also got a partnership with cosmetics company Jo Malone, and has been hand painting the boxes for its new perfume.
She said:
I’ve built up a following over the years, especially since I was an artist-in-residence at Harlow Carr. I do events, I also have my work in local businesses like David Lloyd and Ake and Humphries. I think collaborating is the way forward. It’s about local businesses and local people helping each other.
Ms Bowerman has also proposed to Harrogate Business Improvement District that they work together to promote the remaining local art galleries and other independent businesses in the area, perhaps by putting together an art trail map.
The recent Harrogate art galleries to either close entirely or go online are Castle Fine Art, Lucy Pittaway, Watermark Gallery, Millesime Art, and McTague of Harrogate.
AC Gallery relocated to Knaresborough.
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