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In October, KARST is pleased to welcome two graduate artists for a six-month studio residency, Ashanti Hare (Arts University Plymouth) and Mitzi Dabrowski (Bath Spa University).

Ashanti is a Devon based multidisciplinary artist whose practice explores the duality of existing as both human being and spiritual entity. Combining digital manipulation, folk craftsmanship and writing, Hare often explores the boundaries between cultural identity and spiritual entity through sensory experiences that include tactility, scent and moving image. Through the use of traditional craft practices such as textiles and ceramics, Hare creates tapestries and sculpture that retell Caribbean and African folklore, spellwork and history while reflecting popular culture specific to Black Britishness.

Ashanti says, “I hope to use this residency to expand my research of Cornish colonial and spiritual history alongside traditional African and Caribbean craft practises. Exploring definitively how ceramics, textiles and artefact collecting has shaped both spiritual practice and visual arts. Alongside this I will continue my research into ancestral storytelling and altar building, looking specifically at African glass seed beadwork within ceremonial garments, I seek to develop a series of smaller tapestries exploring ideas around tarot, runes and sigils utilising folktales and african spiritual practises.”

Mitzi practice uses a multi-disciplinary approach to expand fleeting moments from live music gigs into tangible works, as well as using existing imagery within youth culture as inspiration. The intention behind Mitzi’s work is to explore the ephemeral nature of particular nights in music venues, to give these moments more attention and time to potentially dissect the energy and change in behaviour people experience. Using clay or found objects to create sculpture to represent a sense of physicality from within a crowd of people, Mitzi hopes to further experiment with both material and concept.

Mitzi says, “Having a studio at KARST will allow me to continue the trajectory of study and exploration that I need for my practice, and I aim to create my third zine during this residency, as well as use the city of Plymouth to fuel the topics in my work.”

The two artists will be working in the studios until March 2023.

We’re excited to announce a new community project, PRIMEdesign, in partnership with Take A Part and Prime Skatepark.

PRIMEdesign uses skateboarding to engage young people attending secondary school in a free programme of creative activity outside the curriculum. Whilst developing their skills on the park at Prime, a core group of participants engage in a parallel programme of workshops relating to skateboarding’s rich visual culture.

The group are working with artists to learn a range of creative skills including illustration, graphic design, screen printing, repeat pattern, collage and zine making to support their individual development and deepen their engagement with skateboarding.

As well as learning how to design and produce their own imagery, merchandise and events, it is an opportunity to apply skating’s DIY approach to their own creative activity supported by this project. The programme will continue in a sustained way over the next two years.

Check out PrimeDESIGN on Instagram @primedesignplymouth for more on the project as it develops.

The programme has been funded by Arts Council England, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, The National Lottery Community Fund, Historic England, High Street Heritage Action Zone, Mayflower 400 Community Sparks and Plymouth Octopus.

KARST completed an extensive refurbishment before reopening in July this year with the Plymouth Contemporary 21 open exhibition.

Occupying a 7,000 sq. ft. industrial unit, the gallery is a more accessible and environmentally friendly space ahead of hosting the British Art Show 9 next year.

The gallery and studios now have increased physical access and an energy-efficient heating system, meaning the building can remain open throughout the year. In addition, there is zonal lighting, increased insulation, and better use of natural light.

KARST worked with LHC Architects to create a phased capital development programme called Unlocking Creative Space (UCS) that will shift the gallery and studios into a new period of sustainable growth. The renovations conclude the first phase of the UCS plan.

A new accessible entrance and disabled access platform lift at ground floor level provide first floor access for the first time for wheelchair users and those with young children in pushchairs. In addition, a fully accessible and DDA compliant toilet is available.

KARST Executive Director Donna Howard said the improvements would increase operational time and programming capacity, attracting more artists and major exhibitions.

She added: “For the first time, we will operate as a cultural space that is both physically and visibly accessible to all. We believe everyone should enjoy culture. These improvements ensure that we remove the physical barriers to participation and are accessible and welcoming for all.”

The refurbishment of the space includes double-glazed windows and doors to allow natural ventilation, increase thermal performance and improve comfort levels. The works will simultaneously provide a more stable and secure environment for showing contemporary art. Environmentally considerate design, such as the use of more natural daylight, has also been incorporated.

The gallery received a grant of £270,000 from the Arts Council’s Small Capital Grants funding programme, which focuses on providing organisations with the proper facilities to produce and present great work. The fund enables organisations to develop resilience and become more sustainable businesses.

The Arts Council grant brought the total investment in the project to more than £400k. Other generous supporters of the project are Garfield Weston, Foyle Foundation, The Box, and Plymouth City Council (PCC).

The gallery reopened on 7th July as a co-host for Plymouth Contemporary 2021 alongside the Arts Institute and in partnership with The Box.

The exhibition is free, with no booking required. Open Wednesday-Saturday, 11 am – 5 pm.