The Exchange, in Princess Street, just down from the Star Inn, is billed as the largest contemporary gallery west of Bristol.

Occupying the whole first floor of the old telephone exchange building, there is certainly plenty of space for artists to exhibit their work, with huge ceilings stretching up and, behind the dramatic, swirling facade, a stylish coffee shop.

Mr Green says: "One of the main reasons for this project was that although the Newlyn gallery is very beautiful, it wasn't really possible to increase the gallery space there.

"Here at The Exchange there is a lot more room, it's a very flexible space with an industrial feel, and will give is a lot more options as to what we can show."

And Mr Green is convinced that the gallery will prove to be a major asset for the town.

"It's a much larger venue than Newlyn and is very significant, not just as regards Cornwall but for art in the whole of the South West.

"Already, before we even opened, several businesses have invested in the area immediately around the gallery and I think that a major project like this can act as a source of regeneration for a town."

Mr Green was also keen to stress the improvements made over at Newlyn.

"It's not just a quick paint job," he said.

"Although people won't see much difference in the main gallery area, apart from improved flooring, I think they will be surprised.

"The new entrance area we've created is excellent and our first floor education space is a brilliant addition, with breathtaking views over Mount's Bay.

Sara Black, of ProjectBase and the curator of the socialsystems exhibition, which is on in both Newlyn and Penzance, as well as at the Tate St Ives, says that the gallery has opened up "massive" opportunities.

The exhibition includes, at The Exchange, Eloisa Cartonera, a book-making workshop from Argentina, and Hassan Haijaj's Road Trip from Marrakech to Penzance - a Moroccan chill-out zone.

At Newlyn, Scottish artist Christine Borland's exhibition is an arrangement of prosthetic limbs and mannequins inspired by three years spent as artist in residence at Treliske's Knowledge Spa.

Sara said: "This fantastic space will enable a whole new range of artists and projects to come to Cornwall.

"Galleries should be used by communities as a space for social exchange and I hope that the shows in the socialsystems exhibition will reflect that ambition and encourage people to come in and enjoy the galleries.

article copyright THE CORNISHMAN 

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