Different approaches to exhibiting and selling art
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In Newcastle upon Tyne yesterday I visited The Art Works Galleries and The Biscuit Factory. The venues are only a few minutes walk apart in the up and coming Ouseburn area of the city, however their approach to exhibiting and selling art are quite different. Now I’m not setting myself up as a luvie art critic, I am merely commenting on very different atmosphere and ethos of the organisations.
I visited the Art Works Galleries first. It describes itself as the biggest single floor art gallery in the North East, houses in a former TV studio. It prides itself on its “raw and unpretentious approach to art”. It was pretty plain with white walls and a feeling of spaciousness. The art was mainly arranged by the artist with a short bio of the artist by the side. The artists rent a space from the gallery so the gallery does not take commission on art sales. This is done to make the art more affordable. What I really liked was that there were pieces of paper and pencils all around where you could write comments to the artist and post your comments in the appropriate box. There was a small self service cafe and toilet facilities.
The Biscuit Factory is billed as the UKs largest original art store, in a converted biscuit factory. It definetly has more of the feel of a retail outlet as soon as you enter the building with a very sleek modern interior. The exhibits are displayed over two floors, with some artists having small areas dedicated to their work. There was an area laid out with works soon to be auctioned. There’s no mention of the financial arrangements with the artists in their website. There is a brasserie and a cafe and toilet facilities.
Personally I felt that there was much more of an emotional connection with the exhibits and the artist at the Artworks Galleries. However I would recommend that you visit both venues as there are interesting pieces in both venues. I’d be interested in your comments if you have visited the Artworks Galleries or the Biscuit Factory or are an artist who exhibits at either.
