Supporting artists in the city
Picture credit: Goldsmiths' Company assay stamp
At our cultural regeneration event on 8th April, Karine Lepeuple, Deputy Director of the Goldsmiths Centre will be speaking about the workshops and artists' studios, vocational and training opportunities, including the Goldsmiths' Company's Apprenticeship Scheme, that are being taken up by aspiring and established jewellers, silversmiths and allied craftspeople.
The short availability of artists' studios has been discussed at our two previous arts and regeneration forums at Burlington House and RIBA Portland Place, where Charles Saumarez Smith, Chief Executive of the Royal Academy spoke of the need to keep cultural hubs in London alive as galleries and artists flee the West End due to high rents. V&A Director Tristram Hunt also documented the need for vocational qualifications in school that support education around design and technology.
We will also be talking at the forum about the drivers of the tourist economy in the UK and the uniqueness of British talent that can be found in craft fairs and exhibitions that attract high visitor numbers.
Karine started her career in travel and tourism and honed her sales, marketing and business skills working for Eurostar as Head of Product. After overseeing the £35 million refurbishment project in 2003 she made the transition from the corporate world into cultural organisations and has since held senior roles in organisations such as the Lighthouse, Scotland's Centre for Design and Architecture, the Victoria & Albert Museum and the Old Royal Naval College. She joined the Goldsmiths' Centre in 2014.
Founded by the Goldsmiths' Company, one of the major Livery Companies of the City of London, the Goldsmiths' Centre manifests its 700-year connection to the craft, trade and industry into the 21st century and beyond.
The Goldsmiths' Centre took £17.5 million and three years to construct, was delivered in partnership with the former City Fringe Partnership and London Development Agency. It represents the largest ever direct investment by the Goldsmiths' Company into the craft and industry.
Opened by HRH Princess Alexandra in April 2012, the award-winning building on Britton Street combines an existing Grade ll Listed 1872 Victorian London Board School and a four-storey contemporary extension housing dedicated workshops and studios.