COULD this be the smallest art gallery ever?
Boscombe's police box is set to become a contemporary arts centre as part of the Bournemouth Emerging Arts Fringe (BEAF).
Artist Stuart Semple has been commissioned to create a new piece of public sculpture, entitled You Are Love, which will adorn the top of the box, aiming to celebrate the community in the diverse population of Boscombe.
He will also be displaying work as part of his "It's OK to ask me if I'm not OK" project, inside the box, in a bid to start a dialogue in public space about emotions, to reduce stigmas around mental health issues.
Stuart said: "This is a chance for a whole community to get up close and personal with contemporary art in an iconic and intimate space. What public space needs is more love. We are all made of the same stuff. I was hoping to add a positive and empowering statement to the high street.
“Although Boscombe Central is the most deprived area in the whole of the South West of England, it has one of the most vibrant and diverse cultures. It’s the perfect place for a contemporary art centre. It’s incredibly forward-thinking of Dorset Police to see the power of art to transcend barriers and hand over their iconic box for a programme like this."
The centre is set to be inaugurated by the Mayor of Bournemouth, Councillor Lawrence Williams, on Saturday, April 28. The full programme is yet to be announced, but Stuart will curate a series of free contemporary art exhibitions, performances, lectures and happenings by leading international artists within the space over the coming months.
Temporary Inspector Adam Gill from Dorset Police, who has been key to getting the initiative off the ground, said: “Art can transcend many barriers. Some of the key issues we are addressing at Dorset Police need creative solutions to delivering the message.
"We are pleased to be working with BEAF to develop this unique project, engaging art to speak about some of today's most pressing concerns.”
For details on upcoming exhibitions, talks, installations and projects at Boscombe Contemporary Art Centre, visit BOSCAC.org
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