On Wednesday the 11th October, we welcomed so many new and familiar faces to the Art of Belonging curated by Jahnai Hall.
Isobel Beauchamp, the co founder along with her business partner Elinor Olisa of Contemporary Collective and DegreeArt galleries and who represent the artists included in this spectacular group exhibition, gave the following address to the exhibition guests.
"This exhibition aspires to create a space where art, culture, and community converge, offering a truly immersive experience for all. The theme of this show lies at the heart of the Bankside Hotel’s motto, 'Where you Belong' and resonates throughout their vibrant community and unique ambiance.
The Art of Belonging is not only highlighting the remarkable talents of our gifted artists, but pays homage to the artists that have had the pleasure of calling Bankside their home as "Artists in Residence" over the past five years.
Many of those artists are here this evening and we are so happy to be celebrating this milestone of Bankside and the residency space’s 5thbirthday with you all!
Our journey at Bankside began in 2018 when we moved just across the river to Somerset House and we’re doing a recce of the area. Bankside was just coming out of the ground, quite literally and we enquired as to whether the hotel might be seeking some art for their walls…….and that enquiry is what brought us here today.
Throughout all of the evolution that has taken place over the last 5 years, the artist residency space has remained constant.
We are so proud of each and everyone of our artists who have taken up a residency program here and who have been inspired by all that this wonderful hotel has to offer and is passionate about.
Refreshingly, Bankside truly does has art at its heart and what better way to connect with visitors and guests than by inviting them into a world of art which inevitably promotes discussion, feelings of inclusiveness and of course, belonging….all the things you would want from an experience as a guest somewhere. The hotel and its incredible team invite collaboration throughout the hotel with the artists; from dishes on the restaurant menu, to the art and design that you can enjoy in all areas of the hotel.
It is a space where artists can feel inspired by new and different surroundings, they can explore a different route for their work and have the opportunity to expose the practice to new audiences, the result of some of those moments are here on show this evening, for everyone to see.
We hope this exhibition encapsulates a perfect overview of the Residency artists and the dedication and aspirations of this award winning hotel.
One of the most incredible things about having a partnership with Bankside hotel has been meeting the international travelers who are able to engage with the art and artists and take a little bit of their stay here home with them should they wish.
If you are interested in any pieces this evening, or have spaces on your walls that you’d like to discuss further with us, please speak to me another one of the gallery team, we are passionate about art and would love to assist you in your quest. The show runs until spring, so if you’d like to come back and take a second look on your own or with friends and colleagues please do would be so happy to accommodate.
Please do you explore the bar and restaurant areas of the hotel too upstairs and the residency space with our current artist in residency Kate. And from all of us we hope you have a wonderful evening. Happy Birthday Bankside!"
To discover the artists and the full collection: Click here for The Art of Belonging
To arrange to visit the exhibition (which runs until Spring 2024); Click here to book an appointmnet at a time that suits you
For any enquiries relating to the exhibition or its artists, please do not hesitate to contact Gallery Director Isobel Beauchamp 07708 251 687/ Isobel@DegreeArt.com
