Galleries look for new opportunities

Nov 30 2009 by David Whetstone, The Journal

Uncertainty hangs over the future of two sister galleries on Tyneside but the mood is bullish, as David Whetstone reports.

A GALLERY which has provided some startling and memorable images is to close its doors for good when the current exhibition finishes in December.

Globe City Gallery opened five years ago at the top of Curtis Mayfield House in Carliol Square, Newcastle.

The building, owned by businessman Tom Caulker, also houses the World Headquarters nightclub.

Rashida Davison, director and founder of the Globe City Gallery and its sister Globe Hub Gallery in North Shields, said: “The rent was due to go up and we were going to have to find that money which wouldn’t have been easy in the current climate.

“We have taken the view that if we are going to get funding for higher rent we ought to be looking at a more accessible venue.”

Rashida said Globe had had a brilliant five years at Curtis Mayfield House but there were drawbacks.

Because the gallery was several floors up, visitors had to ring a bell to gain access which meant a member of staff had to go down to let them in.

“We have had a fantastic time there but it has been a difficult venue to work because we couldn’t leave the doors open at ground level. We will be looking for somewhere more accessible – and warm.”

This has been an issue at both the Globe galleries, apparently. “In 15 years we’ve never had adequate heating,” said Rashida.

She said Newcastle City Council were helping to find alternative premises although nothing had been decided yet.

Of more pressing concern, it seems, is the future of the Globe Hub Gallery which opened on Howard Street, North Shields, 15 years ago – the original Globe gallery.

Rashida said North Tyneside Council, which helped to fund the venue, was reviewing its expenditure. Globe, which works with local, national and international artists, is one of Arts Council England North East’s regularly funded organisations with £48,000 allocated for 2010/11.

The final exhibition at Globe City includes A Swarm of Follies, collages by Elaine Wilson; Their Silence, A Language, an installation by Yvette Hawkins made of second hand books; and Ashes to Ashes, an installation by Antonio Riello featuring the charred remains of 10 inspirational books interred in glass urns.

The next exhibition at Globe Hub in North Shields opens at the weekend and features about 100 limited edition prints and one-off pieces.