A PARTNERSHIP between Hilton Garden Inn Sunderland and a city art gallery has been so successful that it is being extended throughout the hotel – and has led to thousands of pounds worth of sales.
Earlier this summer the hotel – opposite the Stadium of Light – joined forces with Twenty-Four North East gallery at Fawcett Street, which showcases the work of artists from across the region. Hilton Garden Inn Sunderland agreed to use the spaces in its foyer to display the work of local artists – and the reaction has taken everyone by surprise. And because the venture has been such a hit it has now been extended, with artworks being displayed on every level of the hotel, featuring around 20 artists
“Since day one the reaction to the art has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Gareth Freeman, General Manager at the hotel. “And we are absolutely delighted that we have had guests buy thousands of pounds worth of paintings which his good news for the artists and the gallery. “Because of that we decided we’d give ever more artists a platform, so have now art work displayed on all the walls of all the bedroom levels and we encourage people to go and view it all. “Along with supporting local artists, it means we are also adding something original and exciting to the guest experience.”
Currently the hotel is displaying a varied mix of artworks covering a range of subject matter, with paintings regularly replaced when they sold.
Ken Devine, one of the founders of Twenty-Four North East’s Fawcett Street Gallery, said the relationship with the hotel was going from strength to strength. “Working with the hotel has been so successful that one of my fellow directors, Barrie Watson, has been given the sole responsibility to liaise with the increased number of artists and the hotel to ensure even greater progress is made,” he said.
