The Pan Project

The PAN project
People art nature (a not for profit organisation) aims to connect people with nature through art supporting organisations and individuals

History
The PAN project

The Polpeor studio / gallery is the most southerly art building on the UK mainland situated and was created from a disused storeroom an idea by Ian Griffiths and supported by the National Trust. Donations help refurbish the building to provide new doors and windows, electricity and general work. This was completed in September 2015. The building is believed to be the oldest building, along with what is now the wildlife watch point, build to house the lifeboats gear prior to building the now disused lifeboat station in 1914. Built of brick into the rock side it retains its original feature and is nor airy and light and sheltered from the elements. Although unusable in the winter due to its structure it makes a great place to work and for visitors alike.
On the point is the wildlife watch point which is run by the National trust and manned by volunteers to engage with visitors and talk about the wildlife of the area pointing out the famous Choughs and seals along with Dolphins and rarer migrant birds. The other side of the studio is a small National trust information center, next to that is a café and gift shop and a serpentine workshop.
The PAN project was created from a project to build a wildlife hideaway at the children’s hospice in Cornwall which was made possible by the support of 130 wildlife artists from around the world. From this I hope to take the connection with People, Art, Nature to a wider audience through projects like the studio.

Polpeor studio
Named after the cove which it overlooks the studio is 7ft x 20 ft with a pitched roof. I have furnished it with the artists in mind and easy set up and take down. There is a large adjustable table and swivel chair, print browsers, shelves and a hanging system. There are ceiling lights and a double socket. Access in through the front door complete with padlock. An A board (A2) is available to be put out side, residents are allowed to add their own poster on one side the other has details about the project.
There is a small car park outside the café but I would encourage its use just for set up and take down.
Artists are expected to engage with visitors and talk about their art and, influences and nature.
You are allowed to sell your work but currently there is no card machine and poor mobile connection. Please don’t advertise prices outside or in the windows.
We do not insure your work but have public liability insurance. Crime is very low on the Lizard.
Artists are allowed to give out their flyers within the building but no canvasing outside.
Artists are encouraged to use the studio to work and there is a large grass area to work plein air if you wish.
Opening is flexible but I would encourage it to be open from 10 /10. 30am until 4 /5pm but you will find that evenings can be very lucrative when visitors have more time.
Cleaning
You are expected to keep the studio clean and tidy and ready for the next occupant. The windows can particularly get dirty when the wind blows.
Unfortunately, we cannot control the weather but from experience it does not deter visitors and they might stay longer to shelter.

The studio is free to artists however I have to pay rent, etc so a contribution no matter how small would accepted but not compulsory. There will be a small area for relevant cards and prints to sell and I would ask for a flyer to be given out to visitors, a part of all sales go towards the running costs. It is a not for profit project but we need to cover our costs.

We hope to develop other opportunities for artists by connecting people with nature through art but in order to do so we need to make sure we can make the studio sustainable for as long as it is available for our use.
The space can be used individually, with someone else or even a group it is important that you take time to enjoy and be inspired by such a beautiful landscape.

What is acceptable?
The project will not judge anyone’s work as I believe that every piece of work is an opportunity to engage with people and nature, in face talking to people about your work and natures influence is more important. All styles and medium is acceptable and is visual and decorative art are welcome the only stipulation is that subject matter should be British nature history, landscape and seascape so that it has relevance to visitors. So no African animals, pets, portraits, etc

You will receive further details regarding access, keys, facilities, parking, etc before your arrival.
Accommodation is plentiful in the area and there are camp sites, a youth hostel, b& b, cottages, holiday parks nearby. The summer holidays can be busy so accommodation can get busy.
Please share the project with friends and social media it is important that we fill as many weeks as possible to make it a success. I will be contacting various local and national press and your names will be included on the web site and facebook with links to your pages and web site.
You will be allowed to post relevant work and information on our facebook page so becoming part of the PAN ‘community’.

But in the meantime if you have any questions please email me art@thepanproject. or


Griff

(Ian Griffiths)