The Fish's Tale: Our History
The Fish Factory Art Space was established in May 2011 by Rose Hatcher to provide a much needed social and cultural hub for the local artistic community. With little experience, a big idea and a lot of help from friends, an old fishy warehouse was transformed into artist studios and a thriving gallery. It has changed and grown year by year, becoming an integral part of the Cornish art scene and an essential resource to the Falmouth/Penryn area.
In February 2018, after six years based at Falmouth Wharves, the Fish Factory Art Space moved to a new space in Penryn. This was made possible by the support of the local and wider community, raising £10,000 through a crowdfunding campaign (www.crowdfunder.co.uk/fishfactoryarts). This enabled the Fish Factory to continue providing workspace, exhibition opportunities and community engagement for local and visiting artists.
We have worked very hard to build and grow the Fish Factory with no core funding at the beginning but with a lot of good will and creative thinking. We believe strongly that an independent gallery and workspace can attract international artists, new ideas and provide a place where local emerging artists can thrive. We have set up a Community Interest Company, Fish Factory Arts CIC, to formalise our commitment to our artists and audience.
We have opportunities for people wishing to volunteer in the arts and can accommodate most ideas within our wide remit of SUPPORTING ARTISTS - particularly those working in contemporary art, experimental practice, and above all socially aware and charitable activities.
In 2013, Rose and her team were joined by Rob Burns from the Midlands; this collaboration led to an expansion of projects, with more diversity and further international growth. Our team has grown since our move to Penryn in 2018, check out all the artists that work in our studios and take a look at all the artists that have visited us on a residency!
Rose Hatcher is our Founder and Director, Stephen Murphy is is our Front of House and Cafe Manager, Camilla Stacey is Curator and Residency Co-Ordinator, our Studio Manager is Stuart Robinson, Music Curator is Amy Lawrence. Jasmine Bennett is Finance Co-Ordinator and Charlotte Hampshaw supports us as our Assistant.
We now offer our new Fish Factory as an open and vibrant project space for local, emerging, thriving and international artists, local groups looking for a place to meet, students, musicians, and many more!