Positive Light Projects Creative Hub

by Positive Light Projects in Exeter, England, United Kingdom

We did it
On 18th March 2021 we successfully raised £37,818 with 405 supporters in 35 days

To raise funds to transform a dilapidated building in Exeter into a community arts space, gallery, darkrooms and artist studios.

by Positive Light Projects in Exeter, England, United Kingdom

 New stretch target

The extra funds will help us to transform this dilapidated building into a vibrant community focused creative arts hub open, accessible and welcoming to all.

Reaching our stretch target will help us to pay for more essential works. Building the gallery space, fitting out the darkrooms, purchasing equipment and organising events.

There is a LOT of work that needs doing! Every extra bit will get us closer to the dream.


What we are up to...

We are seeking to raise funds for the development of a creative and cultural working and teaching space with a focus on community engagement and collaborative practice in a disused retail unit on Sidwell Street in Exeter.

The intention is to build a creative visual arts hub that operates to support various communities within Exeter and beyond. The space will provide..

  • 6 x Artist Studios - Space for creatives to make work and develop personal projects.
  • Project Space - Large street level accessible communal space that workshops and classes can be run in.
  • Gallery - Displaying artwork, both group and individual shows.
  • Darkroom - Range of enlargers and equipment for processing and printing work. 
  • Photography Studio - Professional studio lighting and backdrops.
  • Library - Books, journals and periodicals for reference and research.
  • Meeting Space - Space for creatives to meet & discuss thoughts, plans, projects & proposals. 
  • Resident charities & organisations - Office and studio space for local groups.
  • Study Space - Quiet space for individual study.

Before we can start work on activating the space we need to make the building safe and accessible. The money raised will go towards essential electrical and plumbing works, ensuring wheelchair access and the installation of a disabled loo, renovation of communal work spaces and artist studios, cleaning, painting and decorating, fire safety precautions and a heating system, all to make the building safe, warm and accessible for all.

1605711520_img_2682.jpeg

1605711453_img_2678.jpg

1605711582_img_2689.jpg

What we plan to do in the space...

  • Workshops - A variety of both contemporary and traditional technical and contextual approaches to photography and the visual arts. 
  • Courses - Extended programmes delivery key skills to developing and emerging practitioners. 
  • Talks - Internationally recognised artists presenting their work and professional practice. 
  • Symposiums - Themed days of talks and discussions exploring a range of concepts within and approaches to the visual arts. 
  • Exhibitions - High quality projects from both high profile and emerging artists presenting their work from a variety of contexts as well as showcasing community based art works.
  • Residencies - Keeping the space vibrant and active by having practitioners producing work within the space.
  • Commissions - Provide funded opportunities for new work to be produced.


What we will spend the money on...

There is a LOT of work that needs doing! The building has been empty for about five years so it is in a bit of a sorry state! The money we raise will go towards.

  • Mains electrical distribution and power outlets throughout the building 
  • Lighting & emergency lighting
  • Building wide heating
  • Fire alarm and security systems
  • Plumbing works including a street level accessible toilet
  • Cleaning, painting & decorating 

All to make the building safe, secure, warm and accessible to all at which point we will deliver an initial exciting range of activities, events and workshops.

The overall intentions of the project are to...


Reach out to and serve a broad and diverse range of social groups including marginalised and underrepresented communities in need of inclusive, accessible, motivating and inspiring experiences.

1605704396_dsc_2156.jpg

Engage students from Exeter College, Exeter University and local schools and organisations helping them to develop a broader and more sustainable long term creative practice by learning the importance of partnerships and collaboration. 

1605704892_brendan_barry_cardboard_28.jpg

Support independent creative practitioners, especially those with an interest in and commitment to socially engaged participatory practice, helping them to build on and develop their skill sets and expertise, working towards a more sustainable and resilient way of working. 

1605705516_img_0898.jpg

Offer opportunities for local businesses and organisations interested in developing social outreach programmes and in making creative connections with the city. 

1605704923_brendan_barry_skyscraper__34.jpg

Explore ways of working safely and appropriately, mindful of the current climate, with an interest in keeping people connected both in and out of a virtual workspace.

1605704961_1905_eua_ny_skyscraper_camera_project_0970.jpg 

Encourage people from outside of the city interested in engaging with the cultural capital of Exeter and the region. 

1605704974_25.jpg

Focus on diversity, inclusion and accessibility, embedding this in all our planning and production so it reflects the full range of backgrounds, perspectives and abilities within our society.

1605705006_img_1021.jpg

Positive outcomes if we are successful...


    •    Create a vibrant social and professional space

    •    Support local community groups

    •    Bring footfall to Sidwell Street

    •    Revitalise a dilapidated building

    •    Support artists and creative practitioners

    •    Support local businesses by bringing new trade

    •    Nuture talent and future local businesses owners

    •    Make creative connections across sectors

    •    Encourage new demographic of people to visit the area

    •    Draw in non Exeter residents to the area

We know that we may not have this building forever. The area is ripe for redevelopment and we are aware there are longer term plans for this to happen. What this space will allow us to do is set up an exciting and engaging community based creative space and to put in place the structures and resources needed for the organisation and its ethos to develop and thrive. It will allow us to build connections with local community groups, artists and organisations and to create a working model that we can take with us if/when we are moved on at some point in the future. We don’t know how long we will have this building for, but we do know we will create some life changing opportunities and experiences in it in the time we will have.


PRINT REWARDS

1615454624_jack_latham.jpg

1614003584_aaron_schuman.jpg1614416834_brendan_barry.jpg1614015882_cheryl_newman.jpg

1614679445_elizabeth_gleave.jpg1614003679_fern_leigh_albert.jpg

1614003700_jason_evans.jpg

1614003721_jessica_lennan.jpg

1614003768_michelle_sank.jpg

1614003782_neeta_madahar.jpg1614003792_nicky_thompson.jpg

1614021937_oliver_raymond-barker.jpg1614005148_pat_cullum.jpg

1614003850_robert_darch.jpg

1614003862_ross_sonnenberg.jpg

1615313111_sian_bonnell.jpg

1614003889_sian_davey.jpg

1614003896_stephen_raff.jpg1614680921_steve_mccracken.jpg

1614003904_susan_derges.jpg


1605705681_positive_light_logo_space_around.jpg

About Positive Light Projects 


Positive Light Projects is a not for profit organisation using photography to engage and inspire a diverse range of audiences and communities as well as developing emerging photographers and aiding them move their practise forward in exciting and innovative ways.

Based in Exeter, Devon, we have a focus on and strong belief in community based, socially engaged creative practise. Previous projects include The Dartmoor Summer School of Photography.

This project is made possible by the generous support of1613038126_main_logo_black.png

Rewards

This project offers rewards in return for your donation. Please select a reward below.

£10 or more

Name on 'Patrons Plaque'.

Have your name included on a plaque celebrating all of the people who helped to create the space and make the whole project possible.

£2 or more

I don't want anything thanks!

Don't want a reward? Just feeling generous and excited to be a part of the project? Contribute whatever you can and you get a warm fuzzy feeling and a virtual hug from us!

£5 or more

Thank you card

A thank you card designed by one of our resident artists.

£20 or more

Positive Light Projects Tote Bag

Organic Cotton Tote Bag made by The Pelican Project - Where Disability Belongs (And your name on the 'Patrons Plaque').

£30 or more

Positive Light Projects T-Shirt

Screen Printed Organic Cotton T-Shirt made by Double Elephant. (And your name on the 'Patrons Plaque').

£35 or more

7 of 30 claimed

Limited Edition Screen Print

Limited edition screen print made by Freefall (Exeter Phoenix based youth arts group) inspired by the building.

£50 or more

Merch Bundle

Merchandise Bundle! Thank you card, Tote Bag & T-Shirt. And your name on the 'Patrons Plaque'.

£50 or more

23 of 25 claimed

Susan Derges Print

See 'Project Overview' for image of print. Please add £15 to your donation for delivery outside of the UK.

£50 or more

Jack Latham Print

See 'Project Overview' for image and details of the print. Please add £15 to your donation for delivery outside of the UK.

£65 or more

9 of 50 claimed

Photographic Portrait

Have your portrait taken by Brendan Barry. Brendan will be constructing a giant walk-in camera with built in darkroom in the space & using it to capture portraits onto b&w analogue photographic paper. You will get to take away an 16x20" unique print. Sessions will be in Exeter on a sign up basis on allotted days when COVID restrictions allow. Social distancing & all appropriate safety measure will be in place. (And name on the 'Patrons Plaque')

£80 or more

13 of 30 claimed

Couples Portrait

Have a portrait of you and your partner taken by Brendan Barry. Brendan will be constructing a giant walk-in camera with built in darkroom in the space & using it to capture portraits onto b&w analogue photographic paper. You will get to take away a 16x20" unique print. Sessions will be in Exeter on a sign up basis on allotted days. Social distancing & all appropriate safety measure will be in place. (And all your names on the 'Patrons Plaque')

£100 or more

18 of 30 claimed

Family Portrait

Have your family portrait taken by Brendan Barry. Brendan will be constructing a giant walk-in camera with built in darkroom in the space & using it to capture portraits onto b&w analogue photographic paper. You will get to take away a 16x20" unique print. Sessions will take place in Exeter on a sign up basis on allotted days. Social distancing & all appropriate safety measure will be in place. (And all your names on the 'Patrons Plaque')

£100 or more

0 of 5 claimed

Elizabeth Gleave Print

See 'Project Overview' for image and details of the print. Please add £15 to your donation for delivery outside of the UK.

£100 or more

2 of 5 claimed

Nicky Thompson Print

See 'Project Overview' for image and details of the print. Please add £15 to your donation for delivery outside of the UK.

£100 or more

0 of 5 claimed

Patrick Cullum Print

See 'Project Overview' for image of print. Please add £15 to your donation for delivery outside of the UK.

£100 or more

0 of 5 claimed

Sian Bonnell Print

See 'Project Overview' for image of print. Please add £15 to your donation for delivery outside of the UK.

£120 or more

4 of 5 claimed

Aaron Schuman Print

See 'Project Overview' for image and details of the print. Please add £15 to your donation for delivery outside of the UK.

£150 or more

0 of 5 claimed

Cheryl Newman Print

See 'Project Overview' for image and details of the print. Please add £15 to your donation for delivery outside of the UK.

£150 or more

1 of 5 claimed

Jessica Lennan Print

See 'Project Overview' for image and details of the print. Please add £15 to your donation for delivery outside of the UK.

£150 or more

1 of 5 claimed

Michelle Sank Print

See 'Project Overview' for image and details of the print. Please add £15 to your donation for delivery outside of the UK.

£200 or more

9 of 10 claimed

Brendan Barry Print

See 'Project Overview' for image and details of the print. Please add £15 to your donation for delivery outside of the UK.

£200 or more

4 of 5 claimed

Jason Evans Print

See 'Project Overview' for image and details of the print. Please add £15 to your donation for delivery outside of the UK.

£200 or more

2 of 5 claimed

Sian Davey Print

See 'Project Overview' for image of print. Please add £15 to your donation for delivery outside of the UK.

£250 or more

Tour of the building

A guided tour of the building at a time convent for you. See what we're up to and learn all about our plans for the space (COVID lockdown restrictions dependent). (Included with this is a personal portrait and your name on the 'Patrons Plaque').

£300 or more

0 of 5 claimed

Corporate / Business Group Photo

Group photo taken by Brendan Barry. Brendan will be constructing a giant walk-in camera with built in darkroom in the space & using it to capture portraits onto b&w analogue photographic paper. You will get to take away a 16x20" unique print. Sessions will take place in Exeter on a sign up basis on allotted days. Social distancing & all appropriate safety measure will be in place. (And all your names on the 'Patrons Plaque'

£300 or more

0 of 1 claimed

Fern Leigh Albert Print

See 'Project Overview' for image and details of the print. Please add £15 to your donation for delivery outside of the UK.

£300 or more

0 of 1 claimed

Stephen Raff Unique Wet Plate

See 'Project Overview' for image of plate. Please add £15 to your donation for delivery outside of the UK.

£500 or more

4 of 6 claimed

Name a Studio

Have a studio named in your honour! There are 6 spaces in the building designated as individual artist studios, a specially deigned plaque will sit above the door of each, potentially with your name on it!

£1,000 or more

1 of 5 claimed

Camera Obscura Workshop

A full day personal photography workshop with Brendan Barry in his studio using a camera obscura with a built in darkroom to learn all about the mechanics of photography. Use the camera to create a series of 16x20” traditional analogue black & white photographic prints, subject matter of your choosing, to take home. (Groups of up to 4 people allowed. COVID restrictions dependent). (And all your names on the 'Patrons Plaque').

£95 or more

1 of 1 claimed

Robert Darch Book & Print

See 'Project Overview' for image of print. Please add £15 to your donation for delivery outside of the UK.

£95 or more

1 of 1 claimed

Steve McCracken Print

See 'Project Overview' for image of print. Please add £15 to your donation for delivery outside of the UK.

£200 or more

1 of 1 claimed

Oliver Raymond-Barker Unique Print

See 'Project Overview' for image of print. Please add £15 to your donation for delivery outside of the UK.

£350 or more

1 of 1 claimed

Ross Sonnenberg Print

See 'Project Overview' for image of print. Please add £15 to your donation for delivery outside of the USA.

£375 or more

1 of 1 claimed

Neeta Madahar Print

See 'Project Overview' for image and details of the print. Please add £15 to your donation for delivery outside of the UK.

£2,000 or more

2 of 2 claimed

Mega Patron

Everything above + uber kudos!

Got an idea like this?

Over £200 million has been raised from our crowd to support the projects they love! Plus tens of millions more unlocked by our partners.