University News Last updated 18 May 2010
A Birmingham public art gallery has received a financial boost after being awarded a grant from the prestigious Paul Hamlyn Foundation Breakthrough Fund.
Digbeth based Eastside Projects is one of just five organisations from across the UK to win the grant and plans to invest the £360,000 award in improving the quality and support of arts provision throughout Birmingham.
Founded in 2008 Eastside Projects works in partnership with Birmingham City University and is revenue funded by the Arts Council England. Curator and Director Gavin Wade explains: “We are a new model for a public gallery, an artist-run space one where we commission and present experimental contemporary art practices and exhibitions.
“This grant will go a long way to help us improve and develop Birmingham’s massive cultural potential during the next three years.
“We plan to work in depth with pioneering artists such as Mike Nelson, William Pope.L, Carey Young and Dan Graham, and to improve the quality of our support for artists in the City and internationally. The award also provides invaluable support for the growth of Eastside Projects and highlights our unique cultural offer for future investment and partnerships within Birmingham and beyond.”
Started in 2008, the Paul Hamlyn Foundation Breakthrough Fund Special Initiative was created to help cultural entrepreneurs, at critical points in their development, make a crucial difference in their organisations and the fields in which they work.
Gavin added: “We would like to thank the Paul Hamlyn Foundation for their invaluable support, insight and enthusiasm for our public activities and belief in our vision.”
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