Orleans House Gallery in Richmond upon Thames contributed over £1.4 million to the local economy in 2024/5, according to the Richmond Arts Service annual report. The report, detailed in the OHG report 24/25, highlighted the gallery's significant economic impact and its vital role within the community.
The arts and culture sector is currently facing significant financial pressures, with high inflation impacting the gallery's budget. Despite these challenges, Orleans House Gallery remains committed to providing accessible, high-quality arts programming and ensuring fair pay for artists.
The Arts Service annual report noted 43,100 in-person visits to Orleans House Gallery (OHG) and a commercial turnover exceeding £168,000. The annual museum survey 24/25, carried out by Arts Council England, estimated the total local economic impact at over £1.4 million.
The report also noted the Arts Service's focus on integrating the gallery into the local arts scene and learning networks. Orleans House Gallery has become a hub for artists in West London through initiatives like the Visual Artists Network, the Artists Make Space programme, and the Emerging Artists programme.
Key projects in 2024/25 included exhibitions by local artists Kate Howe and Gary Stewart, as well as a show reflecting on the Climate Emergency and Net Zero goals. Looking ahead, Libby Heaney will explore JMW Turner in Shadowscapes, featuring Turner oils loaned from the Tate.
To address the financial pressures, the Arts Service plans to focus on improving income generation over the next three years, according to the OHG report 24/25. The gallery is committed to offering a range of high-quality arts programming free at the point of delivery or at an affordable price and to paying artists fairly for their work.
