Donations needed to help bring a window art exhibition to the former Knight and Lee in Portsmouth

City artists, and others based along the south coast, have worked to create 12 original pieces for the Select Dream exhibition intended to be displayed through the ground floor windows of the disused Knight and Lee in Southsea.

However, the installation, which had been planned for earlier this year before the pandemic hit, can only go ahead if organisers are able to raise £1,000 in donations.

Another £1,000 will then be donated by That Group - the company set to redevelop the site - and a further £2,000 by Portsmouth City Council in order to cover the costs for artists and the prints.

One of the organisers and contributors, Southsea based artist Kate Street, said: 'We have been working on this for more than a year but like everything it was delayed due to the pandemic.

'I think this is so important especially now as it is something to lift the spirits. Walking down that road it is very grey and this could really brighten it up.

'Most importantly though this is about getting contemporary art out there into the open and making it democratic - for everyone to see. Art galleries and museums are closed at the moment but this way everyone can enjoy art.'

So far the crowdfunding campaign has raised £390 of the initial £1,000 target. Depending on the amount, donors receive posters or a personalised piece of artwork for contributing.

It is hoped the exhibition will run in July and August, before work to re-develop the site into a hotel, cinema and offices by That Group.

Peter Tisdale, chief executive of That Group said: 'That Group is delighted to support this project, both in terms of “hosting” it on the Knight and Lee building and also our donation towards the costs.

'We have been working with Kate and her team on this idea for several months, and it’s great to see it go ahead despite all of the recent issues we have all had to endure.

'Let’s hope the art can bring a bit of cheer to the Southsea pedestrian area, and “fill the gap” until we’re ready to start the exciting redevelopment of Knight and Lee.'

To donate visit crowdfunder.co.uk/select-dream.

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this story on portsmouth.co.uk. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to portsmouth.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit our Subscription page now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.