In today’s real estate market, retail spaces can sit empty for so long that they can start to look drab and unappealing.

Some of the empty spaces managed by one local real estate company will soon get a livening up when they are put to use as temporary art studio and exhibition space.

The idea sprang from another project, the opening of a new permanent art gallery space at Canopius Bermuda, a local company on Par-la-Ville Road in the City of Hamilton.

“It’s a simple idea beneficial for all,” said Stephen Hartwig CEO of Canopius Bermuda. “We have blank walls and frequent business visitors. Bermuda is filled with brilliant artists but limited exhibition space. Why not come together?”

When the concept was shared with Coldwell Banker Bermuda Realty CEO, Brian Madeiros a second project emerged.

With some clients’ retail space presently vacant, Mr Madeiros was pleased to be approached and said: “It quickly became apparent that we could assist to create tangible synergy by helping to execute a collaborative strategy between our commercial agents, our client landlords, our neighbour Canopius Bermuda and Bermuda’s very active artist community.

“We hope that by introducing this concept to our portfolio of commercial landlords who have vacant space, someone may see this as a great opportunity to give back to our community.”

Patricia Pettit whose marketing consultancy company Pembroke Atlantic represents Canopius Bermuda, said Bermuda Reality had already heard back from some landlords who were interested in participating.

“A vibrant artistic space is better than closed up space with brown paper over the windows,” she said.

She said the new Canopius gallery and the pop galleries in the vacant retail spaces are necessary because local artists need more space to exhibit their work.

In the case of the Canopius Gallery, 100 percent of the ticket price will go to the artist.

“A lot of exhibition space that does exist comes with fees for the artist, and the gallery takes a commission,” she said.

The Canopius Bermuda Gallery, will offer 100ft of running space.

“The number of pieces we can get in there will depend on how big the pieces are,” said Ms Pettit.

Canopius Bermuda expects to have three shows a year in the gallery space at their office, each with an opening reception to showcase the collection, and each piece offered for sale commission free.

The first show will be held in August, and Canopius is now accepting applications from artists for that show. The application deadline is July 28.

“It will be a whole collection of artists, not just one,” said Ms Pettit. “We have reached out to everyone we can think of in the arts community, artists and photographers and offered them this opportunity.”

For more information e-mail canopiusart@logic.bm.