Gallery threatened (From Penarth Times)

Gallery threatened

A CASH-STRAPPED Penarth gallery has launched an urgent appeal to raise £20,000 to save it from closure.

The Oriel Washington Gallery, in Stanwell Road, is asking for financial help to continue operating.

The popular venue, which recently set up a new board committee, plays a major role in exhibiting the best contemporary art from Wales.

But now the gallery, run as a not-for-profit registered charity which does not benefit from the sale of artists' work, needs a vital cash boost.

It has been unable to secure funding from the Arts Council for Wales and has not been able to raise income from sponsorship.

Maggie Knight, gallery director, said: "As a result, because of the substantial costs of running a high quality public service, the Washington faces the threat of imminent closure unless immediate funds are found.

"The problem is, we've been overlooked by funding authorities because we've been seen as able to look after ourselves."

She added: "At present, both the Arts Council and the Vale of Glamorgan Council have indicated they could be able to provide support in the future, provided that the gallery can keep operating in this financial year."

The Vale Council has offered the gallery a service level agreement.

The gallery plays a crucial role in local education, providing regular classes for children and adults and offering an outreach programme for disabled and disadvantaged groups. It serves as a community centre which makes art accessible and provides opportunities for Welsh artists.

Over 60,000 people visit the gallery annually, including many tourists.

Maggie Knight said: "The gallery is a huge success - we get masses of people coming here. But we do need money to keep going. There's huge potential in what we're doing."

Gift aid donation forms can be obtained from the gallery.

Telephone 2071 2100 for further information.