Update on Covid-19
It’s with a heavy heart that we confirm that our Spring events program is suspended, and public access to the studios is limited at this time. Needless to say, the safety of our artists and the community is paramount. We hope to rearrange our events where possible when it’s safe for us to gather in numbers once again. In the meantime, the Hotwalls Studios team will be working remotely, and will gladly communicate via email, phone or social media. We hope everyone stays safe, and is able to take something positive from these strange times.
Creative Involvement
While many of us are housebound, we will be working on ways of developing our digital presence. We will spread awareness of what each artist will be working on, including new projects, digital demonstrations and special offers through their websites. Many of us will be using this quiet time to engage with more creative practice ourselves. Whether it’s trying something new or simply reading more, the Hotwalls Studios can help.
Things to do
Textiles artist Kim Edith is offering 10% off her fabric Stitchbooks via her online shop, available with the code stayingin. These fabric scrap books are handmade by Kim and provide a unique keepsake as well as the chance to develop your sewing skills. Emma Nicol can offer further creative involvement from her Back-to-School Embroidery kits, available here. Our other studio artists will available for commissions, and are busy working on new projects. Stay tuned to our social media for updates. The Hotwalls Studios team at Portsmouth City Council will be busy ensuring the studios are securely maintained, and will continue to engage on social media, and provide regular articles on the blog page on our website.
Interactive Weaves
Interactive Weaves is the collaborative project organised by artist Alice Hume, known as Vanderhume. The project was arranged to coincide with our monthly Open Studios events, beginning in April. It invites the public to join Alice and other studio artists to co-create woven artworks each with their own theme. Thanks to funding from the Arts Council National Lottery Project Grants, Interactive Weaves will be free of charge to the public. The project will include six collaborations, and will finish with an exhibition in the Round Tower. We are now hoping to re-arrange the dates to take place over the summer, and will keep you updated as we know more.
Creative Support
As for all small businesses and self-employed people, the current situation presents an economic threat, so we encourage you to still support the studio artists where you can. This could include an online purchase, or simply sharing their work or website on your social media. Any gesture, big or small, would be greatly appreciated.
We hope that our plans can resume after the 12 week period, although this could change. We will update you as we learn more, but in the meantime, we thank everyone for their support, and look forward to the time when we can celebrate local arts together again. In the meantime, stay safe at home.
