The Project
In the first instance we are raising funds to purchase the buildings as a CIC, meaning they will be owned by those driven by community service. The following proposed project will be delivered in a number of stages.
We aim to phase the development in a way that will open the space to the community as soon as possible. At the heart of our plan is a simple but powerful aim: to bring heritage arts and crafts education back to the centre of the Art School - for the people of Penzance and the wider community. PZArts CIC is a local team with a shared passion for turning these buildings into a vibrant hub - a place for making, learning, exhibiting, and connecting through creativity. Our vision celebrates Penzance's rich creative heritage, while looking boldly toward an inclusive and imaginative future. We're looking forward to keeping you updated every step of the way.
Arts Education Centre with Exhibition Space
In the Art School building the plan is to refit and refurbish the current rooms to include ceramic and sculpture rooms, a goldsmithing and silversmithing workshop, a printworkshop and space to run other arts and crafts classes and courses. Incorporated will also be a community exhibition space to celebrate artist of Penwith.
Artists' Studio Pods
The Library building will become the home to a number of rentable artist studios. Of varying sizes, with discipline flexibility and some access to the school's equipment there will be something for everyone...whether you are a new emerging artist, or someone grounded in their practise we look forward to welcoming you to the atelier.
Community Space
The Science School building is full of potential. Currently housing Cornish Heritage in Penzance run by the charity Bewnans Kernow, who are a part of our heritage arts hub vision, we have some ideas for the rest of this space. However, as we develop the first two phases of the refit we will be consulting all stakeholders on what our town needs to ensure that the whole space becomes a vibrant community asset.
How are we going to make this happen?
We have the drive, the vision and the passion...now we have to find the finances. To bring this project to life we will be applying for various local and national public grants. Most of these grants will need some form of match funding. To raise these funds on this long journey we will be holding fundraisers, starting an arts benefactors' programme and launching a Patreon channel soon...however, we need funds straight away to get started on steps like building valuation, structural feasibility studies, Heritage consultancy, fire regulation inspections etc to inform the next stages of the development. This is why we are launching a Crowdfunder campaign immediately. To support us, click the button below.