Fortunes change for art gallery (From Penarth Times)

Fortunes change for art gallery

A LOCAL gallery's urgent cash appeal to help save it from closure is looking up - thanks to the Penarth Times.

After an article on the Washington Gallery's fundraising drive appeared in the Times on July 4 (Gallery Threatened), many people contacted the venue offering help.

The gallery, judged by an American newspaper to be among the top three in Wales and showing hundreds of artists each year, has been unable to secure funding from the Arts Council for Wales and has not been able to raise income from sponsorship.

Gallery director Maggie Knight told the Times: "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."

But since the appeal appeared in the Times and 1,500 appeal letters were sent out, the gallery has already received £2,000 from individuals.

Gareth Purnell, of the newly-formed management committee, said the board and gallery director had been delighted by the quick response.

He said: "We have already received over £2,000 from individuals, and the Gibbs Trust has made a substantial donation to assist the gallery in its ongoing work.

"Many of the people have written or called in to express concern about the Washington's plight and have offered to write to funding authorities.

"The response clearly shows the real regard felt for the Washington Gallery in the community."

A letter of support has also been received from the Cardiff South and Penarth AM Lorraine Barrett, whose involvement with the gallery reaches back to its opening in 1998.

Gift aid donation forms can be obtained from the gallery or donors can telephone 2071 2100 if they want further information.