Portsmouth's Fark and Pompey Banana Club crowdfunding £20,000 for new creative studio

Artist and graphic designer, George Bodkin, who runs the creative group the Pompey Banana Club, has teamed up with Portsmouth street artist Fark to take on the lease for the premises in Albert Road, Southsea.

George is working with Fark – Mark Jones – at the former Zensation shop, which will be decked out in a striking yellow and grey design.

In order to complete the Corner Collective enterprise, the pair have launched a crowdfunding campaign to kit out the two art studios.

They will also install new lighting and renovate the front of the building into a shop where artists and other creatives can sell their products.

George, 32, said: ‘One of the studios will be for traditional artwork such as painters, ceramics and even photographers while the second space will be more of a digital studio for web designers.

‘It will hopefully provide a space for six creative artists in the local community to practise their craft and sell their products.

‘We have already had interest from a number of local artists and this provides a safer bet than having to take on the cost of their own studio.’

After first looking to raise £10,000 through their Crowdfunding page the pair raised more than £9,000 in the first week.

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George added: ‘We are now looking to stretch the target to £20,000. As well as standard donations we are also offering gifts such as specially designed stickers, T-shirts and pieces of artwork from FarkFK.

‘The overall aim is to provide a vibrant shared local artist space with studio, gallery and retail outlet at affordable rates. We hope to build a creative rapport with the local community by providing a diverse artistic showcase for local talent.’

George is hopeful to be ready by the end of January depending on Covid restrictions.

See crowdfunder.co.uk/the-corner-collective

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