Bright future for Arena Studios

By Colin Serjent

Following a protracted period of uncertainty, the future of Arena Studios, which is based in Duke Street in Liverpool city centre, has been secured until at least 2012. After signing a lease for the building several months ago they immediately incurred debts - a number of the artists based there had failed to keep up-to-date with their studio rental payments - but to the relief of a newly structured Arena management committee an anonymous benefactor helped pay off the existing debt.The remainder of the money owed was paid off by Arena chasing up artist rent arrears and by raising money at art auctions held in the Duke Street building.

"We had to meet these financial criteria because the benefactor would not have helped us otherwise," said Arena director Paul Luckraft. "Following the period of crisis we have endured, we are now more organised and structured as a group," he added.

Among a number of initiatives they have planned, Arena are hoping to set up bilateral links with Icelandic artists. "The British ambassador to Iceland brought some Icelandic artists to Liverpool, and they were impressed with Arena, saying it was a great example of grassroots arts," stated fellow Arena director Stuart Harrison. "As a result we are planning to stage an exhibition of Icelandic art at the Arena gallery."

They are also bidding to be a host organisation for the next Liverpool/Cologne '8 Days a Week' arts event.A number of other exhibitions are scheduled to take place at the gallery.A solo exhibition by Rebecca Keys titled 'Administration' will run until July 22.

"The title is very symbolic, given the financial trauma we have had," added Luckraft, "Rebecca is going to transform the gallery space into an alternative space, namely an office. It will challenge the way you perceive space."

During October there will be an exhibition of recent graduate art; in November the annual Arena Studios artist show; and in January a Liverpool open exhibition.

If you are interested in renting a studio at Arena contact Stuart Harrison: 0795 6370 037 or 0151 709 9879.