THE artist who founded a successful gallery in Bournemouth town centre is stepping away from the project after securing its future for the next 18 months.
Bournemouth-born Stuart Semple said now was the right time to hand over the reins of GIANT, which has been extremely popular since Bobby’s launched in the former Debenhams building last year.
Stuart was able to bring works of internationally acclaimed artists to the gallery, largely funding exhibitions out of his own project.
“It was always at the back of my mind that once I had set it up, would I be needed anymore,” Stuart said.
“It has gone so well, it has been unbelievable. After bringing all these artists to Bournemouth, funding it myself, BCP Council and the Arts Council have paid to fund it for the next 18 months.
“I have been able to give plans for the future and now really it doesn’t need me. It will be taking on by the amazing team there.
"I feel like I have done what I set out to do, I don’t need to be there every day.”
He added: “It would be nice if it took on a new chapter and it just feels like now is the right time to step away.”
Stuart said while he was confident in the gallery being a success, the level of its retained reach had been a surpseise.
“The gallery has been a huge thing and what an amazing thing to be able to do. It is great we were able to do it and it will live on. Whatever comes in the future for the gallery will be brilliant.
“The team are incredible and they are the best people you could want to run it.
"We have been able to provide these seven jobs in art in Bournemouth – that’s pretty cool.”
Alongside stepping away from GIANT, Stuart is moving out of his town centre studio in The Avenue Shopping Centre.
He has taken on a new space outside of the town centre as he looks to explore new ideas and he is selling everything in the gallery over the first weekend of November.
“As I am moving out of the studio and I have decided to have a big old clear out. There will be some real gems and stuff will be really cheap.”
The studio sale, which will include signed artworks, props, posters and arty T-shirts, is taking place on November 5 and 6.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here