The Good Times House (GTH), claimed to be the only avant-garde private members club in the heart of the Cotswolds, has announced a series of initiatives to raise the profile of local artists. The Good Times House ‘Rising Creatives’ programme will highlight emerging and ultra-emerging talent across cultural genres: contemporary art, music, fashion and film.
The GTH, located in Cheltenham’s Imperial Square, officially opened its doors in March with the aim of bringing people together, bound by a common love of art. It enriches the lives of members with immersive cultural events and experiences and encourages greater ambition among rising creatives through positive connections.
The GTH has already established strong connections with local artists and musicians in the South West, West of England, and the Cotswolds.
The ‘Rising Creatives’ programme of events and initiatives planned in collaboration with other institutions include:
- ‘Open to local artist submissions,’ will take the form of a Royal Academy-style summer exhibition, showcasing works by regional talent. Call for entries will commence in January 2025 for the inaugural summer event and is open to emerging and established artists, as well as GTH members. In a number of mediums and genres: traditional, digital, or cinematic. The final selection will be decided by the committee and cash prizes awarded both to the most promising emerging artist and for a stand-out work from the show.
- ‘Open to local music submissions’, a chance for rising musicians to showcase their work to locally and globally renowned music pioneer Dickie Butcher. Selected musicians will be given the opportunity to play live at the GTH.
- Tailored membership packages for Young Founders U35s and Artists Founders.
- A gateway to a global artistic community, future events and networking opportunities.
- Monthly supper clubs in partnership with local galleries and local artists fuelling collaborative creativity and further nurturing rising talent.
- Inclusion of local artist exhibitions as part of the wider arts programme
- Artist residencies – a longer term objective to consider as part of the club’s expansion.
Between Dimensions
From Friday 13th September to Sunday 6th October the featured artist is Lydia Smith with Between Dimensions.
Smith’s work illustrates a dialogue between line and form. Spanning the physical and digital landscapes, she explores the multifaceted layers of society and self.
The perception of reality is continuously warped and challenged through the expansion of the digital realm. Individuals can edit their online identity, influencing physical interactions. With the self being constantly upgraded through edits and algorithms, Smith highlights the importance of authenticity between our physical and digital dimensions.
Throughout history, humans have thrived on community and connection, which are essential for growth and well-being. As we advance technologically, Smith believes it’s crucial to foster and maintain these bonds in the physical world and not rely on digital interactions. Whilst convenient, online interactions may never replace the depth and richness of face-to-face relationships, which humans need for survival.
Movers and shakers
Ricardo Fearon, entrepreneur, founder of GTH and patron of the Cheltenham Festival, started his career as a visual effects artist but has spent the majority of his career working as an architectural designer across North London and Knightsbridge. The GTH was born from Fearon’s eclectic experiences in the fields of art, interior architecture, and digital animation. He says: “My vision for the GTH is to create a vibrant place for movers and shakers and emerging talent, one that co-creates, pushes boundaries, and makes great things happen. It is important to me to bring people together using art forms and cultural experiences so that lives are enriched by intimacy, connection and conversation.”
Local and international
The Rising Creatives programme aims to elevate local talent, by providing high-profile spotlight and networking opportunities both locally and globally.
David Johnson, art curator for GTH, explains: “The events programme will bring people together around key moments in the international arts and culture calendar – from the Frieze Art Fair and Cannes Film Festival to private trips and experiences designed exclusively for GTH members. However, creating a strong sense of place by championing and exhibiting the work of local artists will be central to each Good Times House location – present and future.”
Recent events at the GTH include an evening dedicated to generative digital art, and the work of emerging generative artist Fingacode, born in Cameroon and now living in the United Kingdom, and the launch of the Kilvington Classic Range Rover on 11th June. The creation of Paul Kilvington, a founder member of the GTH and Cheltenham resident, the Kilvington Classic Range Rover has been hand-built with passion in the heart of the Cotswolds, using local craftsmen and materials wherever possible.
About The Good Times House
The Good Times House is the only avant-garde private members club in the heart of the Cotswolds. Its mission is to put Cheltenham on the map as the stylish place for people in the Cotswolds to enjoy high-end cultural experiences and fine dining in an intimate setting, with a boutique hotel-style service. The longer term ambition is to expand internationally and create a global community of like-minded members. The essence of this vision is reflected in the fine-dining tapas menu curated by an award-winning chef and the artwork displayed over the four floors of the Georgian townhouse.
The Good Times House, 8 Imperial Square, Cheltenham
