THE chief executive of Creative Kernow says her main priority over the next few days will be supporting artists who lost everything in the fire that ripped through the Krowji creative work space yesterday morning.
Chief Executive Dr Fiona Wotton said staff were sad and distressed following the fire that destroyed studios at the heart of the creative hub on the site of the Old Redruth Grammar School in the Blowing House area of Redruth.
The fire was captured on camera by Picture Jodie Edwards
Firefighters were called to the hub in West Park yesterday morning after a single storey building housing artist's studios in the centre of the site caught fire. The blaze destroyed a number of studio spaces, artist's work and equipment. Offices and studios were also water damaged as firefighters tackled the fire. No one was hurt.
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Chief Executive Dr Fiona Wotton said: "We are sad and distressed to report a major incident at our Krowji creative workspace in Redruth. A fire was reported in the early hours of Sunday morning which has destroyed a number of studio spaces at the heart of our site. Further office accommodation and studios were water damaged and will require major repairs.
Firefighters at the scene of yesterday's fire. Picture Lorraine Tredinnick
"Thankfully no one was hurt or killed. The artists and makers affected, however, have lost studio spaces, work, equipment and will experience major disruption to their practice and livelihoods. Our priority will be to support these tenants and the rest of the community at Krowji in accessing all the support they need in the coming days and weeks.
The dvstation caused by the fire. Picture St Ives Fire brigade
We extend our thanks to Cornwall Fire and Rescue for their prompt action and professional support. We are also very grateful to numerous cultural partners and friends who have made offers of help, alternative accommodation and expert advice which we will be incorporating into our plans.
She said she intended to reach out to the organisers of the crowd funder that had been started to raise funds for the artists. "This is not connected to Creative Kernow or Krowji but we will be reaching out to the organisers and thank them for their energy and fast action to support our community," she said.
Ceramicist lost all her equipment in the fire. Picture Jo Wojtowycz
The fund has been set up to help artists like Jo Wojtowycz, who lost everything in the fire and caught on camera the flames consuming the building.
A brand new £2m eco-building housing artist's studios which had only just opened to was not effected by the fire.
Krowji and Stones Krowji cafe will be closed until further notice and members of the public are being asked not not to attempt to access the site for safety and security reasons.
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