GOSAP is a gallery located in paisley and is specifically catering for student and amateur photographers. This is a first of its kind to offer such a service and an opportunity to encourage students to be more creative in their photography studies. Connecting with all colleges and universities I’m hoping to create a space that brings together a collection of work that coincides with the various exhibition themes to showcase to the public.
Through our website students and amateur photographers nationally and internationally can submit their chosen images for consideration for a specific exhibit. To submit their images and to help them financially we will not charge a fee simply for submitting, however if their image or images are chosen, they will get an opportunity to have their work in the exhibition at a cost £15.00 per image. They will also have to agree that their image will be printed on merchandise that will be for sale. In agreeing to this those who’s images are chosen will also benefit from earning a small commission on sales of said merchandise.
GOSAP will display 10 themed exhibitions per year with several individual exhibitions showcasing the individual talents of a chosen photographers. Each exhibition will display a collection of approx. 70/90 images. These will be within the theme of the collection. Each image will give the viewing public the chance to vote for their favourite image on display. This will then give the winning photographer a stand-alone exhibition of their own to display a collection of their own chosen images, again this will allow us to merchandise that collection for sale.
GOSAP also has its own photography studio which will be available for those to hire that have left education but need a space to book professional shoots. This studio will be available at a cost to hire generating income for the gallery. Something I feel is pivotal in encouraging those leaving education to continue where their financial situation may not allow for them to have their own space fulltime until they build on their success.
In 2025 GOSAP will launch in association with the colleges the first photo trail which will take place throughout Renfrewshire. Known as the Renfrewshire photo trail the idea behind it, is to encourage families and individuals into the town to help the small local businesses on our high streets to attract old and new customers and hopefully increase their turnover as well as the profile of the town and what it has to offer. The vision is to get as many local businesses involved by having images from the students displayed within their premises. Creating an idea like a treasure hunt where families and individuals get involved by completing the hunt with a chance to win something when completed that will encourage them to visit the town and utilize what’s on offer more often. The photo trail will take place throughout the summer months when kids are off school. I have seen many times that parents often post on social media looking for things to do to entertain and amuse the kids. By taking part we are promoting the importance of family time and encouraging communities to come together to help improve our towns and cities. This is something that will encourage those participating to come back into our towns over and over as they will have the whole of the summer holidays to complete the trail. To fund this, we will look to the local businesses taking part to contribute by paying a one-off fee to have images displayed in their premises, they will also have an opportunity to have additional paid advertising in our photo trail literature which will be advertising and promoting the event. We will also be looking to the local authorities and creative hubs for grants and financial assistance as we will be encouraging people to the town and no doubt boosting the economy.
Our aim if the initial trail is a success then we will repeat it, it will then be an annual occasion with the view to then take it further afield encouraging all those towns and cities which has colleges and universities that have photography course to participate in their towns photo trail to boost the local businesses whilst promoting their students with the potential in encouraging new students each year.
GOSAP will also promote a photography club with the aim to attract locals with a keen interest in photography to come and learn more about the ins and out of photography and how to achieve the best results when capturing images. This will hopefully give an opportunity to those who want to learn more yet can’t afford or have the time to commit to a college course. This will be affordable to those joining yet potentially profitable for GOSAP. Something to bring together those who may never meet in normal situations. We are hoping by bringing together individuals it may create a small group that can bond over their interest in photography which may also have a positive impact on individuals that find themselves on their own or maybe suffering from mental health issues by encouraging them to get creative and build on their confidence.
Money raised will go towards the initial set up of the gallery as well as cover the overheads of the premises until the company is fully operational. It will also be used to purchase any remaining items needed.