Goldsmiths
Photo: via My Art Friend

Goldsmiths, part of the University of London and one of the most prestigious UK art schools, is planning to build a public art gallery, according to The Art Newspaper. The proposed gallery is to be located behind the University’s art department, in an early 20th-century building, which was formerly public baths.

The university needs to raise £2 million ($3.41 million) to cover the cost of converting the old water tanks of the Laurie Grove Baths into an art space. As part of the fundraising effort the institution is asking its illustrious alumni and professors including Michael Craig-Martin, Damien Hirst, Sarah Lucas, Anthony Gormley, Fiona Banner, Bob and Roberta Smith, Rebecca Warren and Ceal Foyer to donate works that will be auctioned by Christie’s next year. If the planned fundraising is a success, the gallery is due to open in late 2015.

The University is expected to announce an architect for the project on July 28th. A director to oversee the transformation is also to be appointed.

Richard Noble, the head of the department of art, who is overseeing the project says that once complete, a combination of leading artists as well as Goldsmiths students will be invited to show works at the gallery. Guest curators as well as curatorial students organize the exhibitions.