THE 126 Gallery has had to close its Flood Street space owing to increasing rental costs, but will re-open in June to host the gallery's Annual Members Show t its new premises in St Bridget’s Place, Woodquay.
In a statement, 126 said the "worrying trend of rising rents" has made the re-location necessary. The Galway gallery is among many such ventures throughout the State which have either had to move, or close, due to increasing rents.
However, 126 said the move would allow it to expand "its programming possibilities and providing a significant new gallery space for the city"; to develop the arts space in "a new direction"; and provide the Galway community with a free to visit cultural hub.
The gallery is run by a board of voluntary arts professionals, and has been open since 2005. During that time it has built an international reputation for ambitious programming. The Irish artist Dominic Thorpe said: "126 has transformed how contemporary art is developed, experienced, and sustained in the city. It is a key reason many more contemporary artists have made Galway their home, playing a significant role in establishing Galway as a vibrant centre for contemporary visual art nationally and internationally."
126 is also a not-for-profit gallery and has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise the extra €7,500 needed to refurbish its new space and to continue offering paid opportunities to artists. Those interested in supporting the gallery can do so via www.gofundme.com/126bigmove
