‘Dockside Debut’ art show in Gloucester hailed a huge success

Hundreds of art lovers flocked to Gloucester Docks earlier this month for a free exhibition showcasing the city’s next generation of creative talent.

Dockside Debut, a collaboration between FI Property Group and the University of Gloucestershire’s School of Art, Culture and Environment, saw the doors opening on the newly refurbished Dockside (formerly Southgate House) on Southgate Street, where visitors were able to explore a range of disciplines throughout the building including fine art, printmaking and sculpture.

VIP visitors to the preview day on Friday included The Right Worshipful the Mayor of Gloucester, Councillor Adrian Graham, the Mayoress of Gloucester, Mrs Kirsty Graham, and The Sheriff & Deputy Mayor of Gloucester, Councillor Anne Radley.

FI Property Group is currently undertaking an extensive refurbishment of the building, which will offer Grade A, BREEAM accredited office space with views over Gloucester Docks, catering to businesses of all sizes from a single desk to suites for 250+. The exhibition gave the general public the chance to explore the newly transformed space, while reflecting FI’s commitment to supporting and engaging with the local communities in which it operates. 

A key part of the exhibition was the People’s Choice Award, where visitors voted for their favourite piece. The winning artist, Laura Roberts, will now receive a commission to become part of Dockside’s future by designing two large banners that will sit at the front of the building, alongside a canvas that will be permanently displayed inside Gloucester Brewery. The winner will also receive a cash prize and complimentary beer from Gloucester Brewery.

Holly Williams-Richards, Lecturer in Fine Art at University of Gloucestershire, added: “It’s been brilliant to see Dockside Debut come together and to present work by recent graduates in a new space, celebrating the talent of emerging artists from the local area.

“It’s a great example of what can happen when businesses trust creatives and give them the space to make something happen. Gloucester needs more opportunities like this; access to exhibition, project and studio spaces can make a real difference to the artists and audiences building our local cultural ecology. Opportunities like this are still rare in Gloucester, which is why it’s so important to support and encourage more of them.”

She added: “Huge thanks to FI Property Group and the whole team for supporting the project and making it possible. It was a wonderful weekend, full of exciting conversations with local audiences.”