08/05/2008
Highcross’ landmark 1000 Lakeside North Harbour building in Portsmouth is to become a showcase for a thousand paintings, sculptures and other works by local artists.
This semi-permanent exhibition, known as Art at 1000 Lakeside, will be launched by Highcross at a private viewing on Thursday 15 May. Initially on display will be works by the 44 members of Art Space Portsmouth; paintings and prints by professional artist and printmaker, Jill Poole; and sculptures by Neil Prince. Other works will be added during the year.
Highcross expects considerable interest from current and future tenants and other business visitors who, as well as viewing the paintings and other works, will be able to buy and even commission a work from a particular artist.
Many of the works will be displayed in the building’s stunning atrium, reception and meeting area, created by Highcross during its recent £13.8m refurbishment of 1000 Lakeside. Others will line the walls of corridors and galleries leading to the many office suites. Neil Prince’s sculptures, some of which are over 6 ft high, will initially be exhibited in the atrium, and later strategically placed throughout the extensive grounds, including around the lake.
At the launch event, one lucky guest will win a raffle prize of £750, donated by Highcross, to buy one of the works on display. Funds raised will go to the Elizabeth Foundation, a charity that supports infants and pre-school-aged children with hearing loss and their families.
Highcross Director, Nick Turner, said: “Art at Lakeside 1000 is our way of demonstrating how the worlds of business and art can sit comfortably alongside each other. We are also delighted to be using the event to raise funds for the Elizabeth Foundation, which we have chosen, not just because it is based here in Portsmouth, but also because we realise how important the visual arts are to children with hearing difficulties.”
