A NEW exhibition hub for local artists will be created at Bournemouth’s Shelley theatre, thanks to support from Bournemouth Arts Club.

The historic club which is approaching its 100 year anniversary and has a long association with the Shelley, will transform the Mulberry Room to allow regular exhibitions for artists and support other initiatives.

During the 1980s, the club had a well-established reputation and in 1985, with just under 100 members, meetings were frequently held at the Shelley theatre in Beechwood Avenue inm Boscombe.

Exhibition secretary, Angela Perrett said: “Our visit to the theatre’s Mulberry room was like a dream come true.

“We easily visualise things and I could immediately see what it could become, with work on the walls enabling it to come alive.

“We explored how it might be possible to work together, leading to our suggestion of a hanging system; this was subsequently approved and purchased.

“We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with the trust; taking art in its rich and varied forms out into the community.”

Bournemouth Arts Club’s inaugural exhibition which will be held later this month, aims to celebrate the diversity of its members’ work.

Julie Herring will select and curate this first exhibition in the Mulberry room gallery space.

She is a well respected artist in her own right and has previously curated work at ‘The Atrium’ gallery space at Bournemouth University.

Members of Bournemouth Arts Club will aim to curate two events per year and will also invite artists for monthly exhibitions.

For more details about the project, email zoe@shelleytheatre.co.uk