It was announced late last week that the KUBE Gallery at North Road on the campus of the college was to close at the end of January 2010.
KUBE is a vibrant and forward thinking organisation that has been central to the revitalisation of the visual arts in Poole. Over the years Poole has been treated to some extraordinary exhibitions curated by KUBE that have brought internationally acclaimed artists work to Dorset, including Antony Gormley, Tracey Emin, Micheal Kenny, Mark Wallinger, Damien Hirst and Sarah Lucas whilst also ensuring that local and regional artists had a platform to exhibit and share work. KUBE has also housed and cared for the Bournemouth & Poole College’s art collection which has enabled the public easy access to some truly great works of art by such notable names as Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, Jacob Epstein, Patrick Heron and Briget Riley.
Literally hundreds of local artists have contributed to the Gallery’s programme over the years through exhibitions, events and supporting new ideas. KUBE has tried to ensure that it’s programme reflected the needs of the local community and artists networks from regular workshops for under 5’s, children, teens and families, live music, work with local businesses to experimental residencies for artists that encouraged partnerships.
Thousands of schools pupils and young people have visited the Gallery over the years, seeing and engaging with art work that perhaps now they will have to travel further a field to enjoy. KUBE had a national reputation for it’s education work and action research projects and won three national awards for it’s innovative gallery education programme and work with young people.
This Summer saw a record number of people visiting the gallery to enjoy an exhibition that was designed specifically for family audiences - James Johnson Perkins' RETRO ROBOT, the Gallery’s ever popular monthly Art Boot Sales ensured that artists and makers could sell directly to the public and was just one of the fresh new approaches to visual art that KUBE had developed over the last year.
Despite 2009 being its busiest ever year the college has decided to withdraw its funding with the dedicated staff set to lose their jobs and the local area to lose the only purpose built art gallery in Dorset. The college wants to turn the gallery into offices.
A campaign has been mounted to try and avert this catastrophe. To add your voice, pease search for the group 'SAVE THE KUBE' on Facebook for more details. Alternatively letters can be directed to the Bournemouth & Poole College Principal Lawrence Vincent, to the Daily Echo letters page or to your local MPs.
Date: 22-12-2009
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