This episode features Susanne Clausen, Chair of Open Hand Open Space (OHOS) and Professor of Fine Art at the University of Reading. The conversation delves into the unique nature of Open Hand Open Space, which is housed in Brock keep, a historic military keep on Oxford Road. Susanna emphasises that it serves as the town's only dedicated provider of long-term artist studios and the only dedicated contemporary art gallery in Reading. We also discuss Susanne's work and her exhibitions, as well as the vital role OHOS plays in providing affordable infrastructure for local creatives.

Finally, the conversation covers the significant challenges regarding the building's future. Susanne concludes by encouraging listeners to visit the gallery to discover the "best kept secret" of Reading's cultural landscape.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Retention of Local Talent

For a town to thrive, it must provide the infrastructure necessary to keep skilled graduates from local institutions like the University of Reading. OHOS serves as a critical bridge, offering the only dedicated long-term studio spaces for artists post-graduation. Without these affordable "incubator" spaces, creative talent often migrates to other cities, taking their innovation and economic contribution with them.

2. Boosting Reading's International Brand and Profile

Art is a vehicle for global networking. Susanne highlights how local artists represent Reading on the world stage—citing her own recent exhibition in Miami—which helps position the town as a sophisticated cultural destination rather than just a commercial hub. Supporting such spaces enhances Reading's competitive edge against comparable cities like Oxford or Milton Keynes.

3. Social Value and Community Cohesion through Cultural Hubs

OHOS acts as a "best kept secret" that drives community engagement by partnering with diverse groups, including refugees and the Hong Konger community. For business owners, a vibrant, culturally inclusive Oxford Road district improves the local environment, making it a more attractive place to live, work, and invest.

TIMECODES

00:00 Welcome to Susanne!

00:23 What is Open Hand Open Space

01:17 University of Reading connection

01:49 Reading's best kept secret

03:18 How Open Hand Open Space fits into Reading's creative setting

04:15 Some artists at Open Hand Open Space

06:18 Open Hand Open Space for the general public

06:56 How Open Hand Open Space is promoted to the public

07:52 About Susanne Clausen

10:02 What Reading needs to support artists

11:46 Why it's good for artists to exhibit their work

12:18 Is artwork used to convey specific messages

13:52 Challenges faced by Open Hand Open Space

17:06 How can people support Open Hand Open Space

18:26 Susane's final thoughts