Void Gallery announces move to new location at Waterloo Place

The gallery said the relocation will enable Void “to bring its visual arts programme to a wider audience”.

Void’s new home will be located at the foot of the Derry Walls, at Waterloo Place, and will include two main gallery spaces and a walk-in education space. The building is street facing with a wide glass front, which will enable the gallery to present its programme, even in lockdown.

Chair of the Board of Directors, Void Gallery, Eamonn McCann, said: “Relocating to Waterloo Place is a big step forward for Void, and a great move for Derry, too. Art will now have a home at the heart of the city, not set apart but amidst the swirl of everyday life.”

Visual Arts Development Officer with the Arts Council of NI, Patricia Lavery, said: “Huge congratulations to Void on this move to a new space which will bring them right into the beating heart of the city where their work and exhibitions will be experienced and enjoyed by many.”

Mayor Brian Tierney, said: “This is a hugely positive move not just for Void but for everyone in Derry and beyond as it will place the arts right at the heart of our city. The central location will attract a new audience and will present a prime opportunity to showcase the work of numerous talented artists who have faced so many unprecedented challenges over the last year.

As part of the move, Void has commissioned the artist collective Forerunner to design the gallery’s reception and office spaces.

The inaugural exhibition will be Before the Cypress Broke, launching April 17. This is a fundraising exhibition that was initiated in response to the recent catastrophic events that have taken place in Beirut, Lebanon. It is presented in partnership with the Beirut Art Residency (BAR) and will combine works on paper, photography and video works.

Director of Void Gallery, Mary Cremin, said: “We are very excited about this new chapter for Void Gallery in bringing the visual arts to the city centre, platforming both national and international artists while positioning our dynamic Education and Access programme to the fore of what we do. We will continue to develop new audiences and position the arts as central to vibrancy of the city especially during these challenging times.”

Void’s education programme will have a dedicated drop-in area at the front of the building where members of the public can call in and get involved. The new building will also be wheelchair accessible.

Head of Access and Engagement, Maeve Butler, said: “This city centre position will enable more people to access the exhibitions and the education programme that we run. I look forward to welcoming local, national and international audiences to participate in a wide range of activities, including workshops, talks and lectures, film screenings and artist’s projects in our new, fully accessible and multi-functional education space.”