Strange times require reflective thoughts. Whilst we live in uncharted waters, this time provides us with the chance to think back on recent months. Upon reflection, the last six months at the Hotwalls Studios have provided a lot to be thankful for. Here’s a selection of the achievements and good news that have made us smile.
Awards, Prizes and Nominations
Solent Quality Place Award
In January, we were delighted to receive the good news that the Hotwalls Studios had won the Solent Quality Place People’s Choice Award. The Partnership for South Hampshire provided the award, which celebrates new developments that help transform communities around the Solent. More info can be read here.
Arts Council National Lottery Project Grants
A highlight of late 2019 was receiving the confirmation that Alice Hume was to be awarded the Arts Council National Lottery Project Grant. This funding will allow Alice to lead the collaborative project Interactive Weaves. Alice, known as Vanderhume, is now hoping to lead a condensed version of the project over the summer weekends. Thanks to this funding, a series of free workshops will be made available.
Boodle Hatfield Prize with Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair
In February, Sadie Tierney won the Boodle Hatfield Print Making Prize at the London law firm’s Blackfriars offices. The achievement will be celebrated with a solo exhibition of Sadie’s work at the 2020 Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair, while Boodle Hatfield purchased Sadie’s work to join their collection.
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Spring Autumn Fair
A really proud time for us was seeing illustrator Emma Nicol take part in Birmingham’s Spring Autumn Fair. This marked a huge professional step for Emma as the first trade show she’s participated in since becoming a professional artist three years ago. The event was a great success, and Emma is looking forward to taking part in more trade fairs as time goes on.
Charity Fundraising
If you attended Lantern Light Theatre Company’s sell-out performances of A Christmas Carol, you might remember the actors collecting money for homeless support charity Two Saints after each show. We’re delighted to say that that over £400 was donated over the four days the show took place. Further fundraising success was achieved by Fire Monkey painter Dave Allen, who hosted a charity art sale in January. We’re proud to say that he achieved £900 to donate to local eco initiatives.
As we wait for the current situation to change, we remain proud of our studio artists for all they’ve achieved and thankful for all they’ve contributed to Portsmouth’s creative scene. The current situation is stressful for many, but we look forward to the time when we can gather to share our good news and love of all things creative once again.
