A NEW gallery showcasing Dorset artists in Bournemouth is opening this month.

The Vishuddha Gallery, situated close to Pokesdown train station and a short walk from Boscombe’s Sovereign Centre, has been in development throughout the pandemic and will open to the public on Friday, October 22, 2021.

Ali Sharpe, who many will remember as the Musical Director of both The Bournemouth Community Gospel Choir and the Rising Voices Wessex choir for cancer survivors - which won a £50,000 grant after being featured on ITV’s People's Project, has today announced the official opening of her new gallery in Pokesdown.

The gallery will be an available space for aspiring local artists, providing an opportunity to exhibit and promote their work free of hanging or commission charges. There will also be an ongoing programme of small workshops given by local practitioners.

Ali Sharpe, owner of The Vishuddha Gallery, said: "My aim for the Vishuddha Gallery is to promote and encourage creativity at a local level.

“The Pokesdown area is already developing a unique, exciting and independent vibe, and I hope the Gallery will play a key role in growing that community spirit.

“I am working with lots of local businesses along the Christchurch Road, to help me stimulate interest in the arts and a new style focused on individual creativity.

“But everyone is welcome at Vishuddha, and I can’t wait to meet more brilliant local artists – and people interested in art – so please come along!”

The Vishuddha Gallery is a non-profit making concern, and none of the artists who are exhibiting are charged for the opportunity to hang their pictures or charged commission when they sell.