The gallery, which is located on Regent Street and previously in the Brunel Shopping Centre, is a ‘local non-profit group who enable artists of Swindon to sell and exhibit their work.’
Due to a declining footfall and rising costs, the gallery is being forced to shut on April 20.
The public have expressed their sadness at this news.
“My father had some of his work in there over the years. Was a nice place to visit when I came over to visit family from the US,” said Alice Lochner Quinton.
“It is a sad circumstance. I actually bought one of my father’s paintings there one time!”
“Very sad that it’s closing, we have some great artistic talent in the town, but we won’t be able to see any of it in the future,” said Richard Clark.
“Everywhere is closing now,” said Clive Head.
“Very sad indeed. You can always visit Oink Gallery in Old Town” said Lily Matic Pepperall.
“Where do people go now to see art galleries, that is so sad,” said Rozza BG.
“Very sad lose,” said Peter Blackford.
“You can thank Labour,” said Thomas G Ainsworth.
The Artist Forum is run as a Community Interest Company (CIC), and one of its directors, Andy Hubble, spoke to the Adver about the closure.
“Basically, the amount of footfall, people coming into the gallery – its losing money every month. It is just not sustainable any longer,” he said.
“It was originally set up to promote art within Swindon, give the local artists somewhere professional to show their work, make some sales etc, and do different types of art, from needle felting, to paintings to sculptures.
“I feel pretty gutted – I hate for it to close under my stewardship. I was a chairman for a number of years, until a few years ago we changed it to a CIC.
“But it’s been slowly on the decline since Covid, because nobody has got the spare income to spend on something like art, when they are choosing between heating and food.”
The gallery was always free for people to come in and look round.
“Prior to Covid, we were seeing 100 to 200 people over a weekend, and now we don’t even get that a month coming in,” said Mr Hubble.
Ken White, a celebrated local artist from Swindon who recently passed away, opened up the gallery.
“We have just had a lot of local talent to a high standard,” said Mr Hubble.
“People have come in and read the sign [saying the gallery was closing], and said how disappointed they were.”
They have also showcased artwork from a local school in the past free of charge, and have set up an art station where people can come in to paint or draw.
The last day of selling at the gallery will be Monday, April 20. Artists are being encouraged to reduce the prices of their work, so Mr Hubble said there will be “some good prices to be had.”
The fixtures and fittings of the gallery will also be for sale, such as art materials and display stands.
“Thanks to all our customers, past and present, that have supported us,” said Mr Hubble.
“We’ve had quite a good following from some people. Unfortunately, it’s just not enough to save us.”