Thursday, 01 July 2010 13:09
Both galleries are reporting roughly 20 per cent rises in numbers for the period January to May compared to the same time last year.
Norman MacLeod, development director for the galleries, said: "It appears that the increase is being driven to a considerable extent by the levels of activity involving our education and outreach team who are working with ever larger numbers of people across an ever wider cross-section of the community.
"We seem to be reaching sections of the community that we have not done before.
"Contemporary art galleries can be quite intimidating but by running these education programmes we are hopefully breaking down a few barriers."
Both galleries have dedicated education spaces – The Studio at Newlyn Art Gallery and The Engine Room at the Exchange – and have programmes which are aimed at everyone from the under-fives upwards.
Recently a new project was launched at the Exchange in partnership with Penzance Children's Centre working with very young mothers and their children in Treneere.
The galleries also offer tailored workshops at the sites and outreach activity in schools, led by practising artists.
An exhibition of work called ColLABoration, by the Lab – one of the regular groups of students from Mounts Bay, Humphry Davy and Mullion schools, aged 14 to 16, who attend the gallery each week – can now be seen in The Engine Room until next Tuesday, July 6.
The galleries also hold artist-led workshop during the school holidays while each of the education spaces has artist- designed activities for families linked to most of the exhibitions.
Mr MacLeod said: "We seem to be building a reputation quietly; certainly the increase in numbers has been steady and cannot be attributed to one particular show."
For more information go to www.theexchangegallery.co.uk or take a look at www.newlynartgallery.co.uk
article copyright THE CORNISHMAN