A NEW not-for-profit contemporary art gallery and store is coming to Poole - but it needs help from residents to start its work in the community.

Pen Gallery in Kingland Crescent, run by Emma Rowland, is part of a high street regeneration programme.

The gallery's purpose is to support local artists and provide them with a permanent space on the high street and a platform within the community.

A Crowdfunder page has been set up to support building works, provide supplies for volunteers and more.

Director Emma Rowland, 24, said: "Fundraising will be a key financial stream for the gallery going forward. We will be applying for Arts Council funding and National Lottery funding, but Crowdfunding is a good way to get the community involved."

Emma is keen to offer a permanent space for artists and art lovers alike within the conurbation.

She said: "I’ve lived in Bournemouth for about six years now and there still isn’t a contemporary art space. South Coast Makers Market is incredible but it’s not every day. My goal is to give artists a permanent space on the high street – something a lot of them, I imagine, wouldn’t be able to afford.

"Everything inside the gallery is completely artist led. Once the right people have been chosen for the shop, it’s down to them to decide what to stock with us. The market space is for exhibitions, which will rotate quite frequently.

"There aren't enough creative opportunities for people here. Pen Gallery will give people a platform to create their own opportunities. I'm also hoping to connect with a lot of other creative people in the community."

An opening date has not been decided due to coronavirus concerns, but virtual fundraising events are being held by Emma so the gallery can continue to be supported until the day of opening.

This has included a virtual musical bingo event which took place on Saturday, January 23.

Emma hopes to host more virtual events in the future.

To donate to the Crowdfunder, visit: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/pen-gallery