At Hiscox we passionately believe in the power of art to promote freedom and change society for the better. Art has no barriers – age, background, race, religion and sexuality are all irrelevant. Art brings communities together, gets people talking – everyone can have an opinion on a work of art and the great joy is that every opinion has merit. In a world where there is so much to be miserable about, art remains the shining beacon for the optimistic, for those of us who wish to wake up each day and discover new things and see the world through a more positive lens.

Guernsey must learn to offer diverse reasons for people to visit the island and bring much-needed revenue to the community. Becoming an Iconic Art Venue achieves this, but uniquely it does so while providing an instant benefit to the local community who will get to enjoy the exhibitions. A casino is a money-making scheme designed to remove cash from the foolish, it would damage the community and it is a fact of life that where casinos dwell, organised crime tries to follow.

Art is the tree of life, Guernsey is the perfect garden for it to grow in

I wholeheartedly support the development of an Art Venue in Guernsey. Art is an essential part of our modern society as it instills value, offers a parallel commentary on our island life and inspires creativity, which in turn inspires the whole island community. Our island itself is an incredibly inspiring natural environment. With that said, you need a catalyst to develop creativity and, luckily for Guernsey, that catalyst is David Ummels and the Art for Guernsey movement. David has tirelessly, and with great passion, inspired a broad range of the island – from schools to the art communities, to the corporate world – and I can definitely see a future for the island which involves nurturing world-class arts and creativity which in turn requires a world-class Art Venue.

I would like to share my thoughts on the expressions of interest to be taken into account as part of the decision-making process, regarding the Seafront Enhancement project. I would like to support the following:
Creating an Iconic Art Venue for the island as well as the international community. This facility would be a great focal point. It would encourage visitors to make St Peter Port their destination; to spend their money in the surrounding areas and to enjoy the variety of restaurants, pubs and cafes town has to offer. More importantly, it would give local artists and students the opportunity to experience world-class art and ideas. It would enhance their personal experience, giving them the chance to see work they might not otherwise have been exposed to, to further their practice and deepen their art education . David Ummels of Art for Guernsey has initiated many ground-breaking projects and high-level activities since his arrival on the island. His dedication to cultural diplomacy, his Art in School project, and supporting the performing arts in conjunction with the College of Further Education, are all indicators of his passion for the arts and vision for the island.
I am backing the Iconic Art Venue proposal, because it will enhance the lives of our local community as well as provide a valuable destination of interest for the tourist industry. I am excited by the possibility of elevating the quality of life in our community through the arts. We are all aware of the positive impact the arts have on our wellbeing and mental health – especially on an island such as ours. In my opinion, we have enough pubs, clubs, cafes, hotels and restaurants in St Peter Port. It is initiatives such as this that our community is desperately lacking. The Iconic Art Venue proposal should be given serious consideration not only for the general wellbeing of our island community but also for a vibrant destination for the tourist industry.

Over the past two years, the Sovereign Group and Art for Guernsey have worked in partnership to encourage local youth to value and develop their artistic talent. The annual Art for Guernsey Scholarship Prize, which is fully funded by Art for Guernsey, gives two of the finalists in the Sovereign Art Foundation Students Prize competition the fantastic opportunity to take part in an all-expenses-paid internationally renowned Art Summer School in London. In addition, Art for Guernsey has mentored and supported several of our finalists, which in one case has led to a student successfully curating an exhibition of her own work.
The Foundation is extremely impressed with the vision and commitment with which David Ummels has developed Art for Guernsey’s portfolio of projects which in a short timeframe have gained significant traction and enriched our local community. We believe David has demonstrated that he has the talent and connections to turn his ambitious vision of an Iconic Art Venue for Guernsey into a reality. This is a unique and exciting opportunity for the island which should be recognised and fully supported.
The Sovereign Art Foundation works internationally to improve lives of thousands of disadvantaged youths through art while supporting mid-career artists to further their personal success. It fully recognises the economic and social benefits which the Iconic Art Venue envisioned would bring to Guernsey. For the alumni of our local Students Prize Competition