Founded as a community interest company in 2020 by local artists Laura Porter and Richard Gregory, Studio KIND presents the work of both local and national, early-career and established artists through an ambitious and diverse programme of exhibitions and events, curated to excite imaginations, challenge perceptions and create connections.
Our mission is to raise the profile of contemporary art in North Devon; supporting and promoting the rapidly-growing local arts scene whilst showcasing artistic activity from around the UK. We seek to be an inclusive organisation; creating exciting opportunities for artists from all backgrounds to engage with contemporary artistic thought, and inviting a broad audience by offering a high-quality programme of innovative and dynamic exhibitions and events.
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In 2024 Studio KIND moved to a new premises, The Corn Store, part of Barnstaple's historic Pannier Market. Home to the UNESCO biosphere, World Surfing Reserve and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, North Devon has so much to offer. Whilst taking a sustainable and sensitive approach to our unique locality, we hope to enrich the experience of visitors to the area and to encourage cultural development within our region.​
​Managing director and curator, Laura Porter, is an artist and curator, having obtained a BA in Fine Art from Middlesex University and MA in Sculpture from University of the Arts London. She has been shortlisted for a number of awards, been commissioned to make work for galleries across the country, and has been involved in artist-led activities and residencies since 2014. She has also received funding from A-n, Arts Council England and The British Council. Laura oversees all programming and curation at the gallery, as well as manages the marketing, fundraising, financial and business development. Laura is particularly interested in working with emerging and mid-career artists and working with partner organisations all across the South West to help build an exciting and active network of contemporary fine arts across the region.
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Assistant manager and lead photographer/videographer George Rayner has been working with the gallery since 2022, upon graduated with a BA in Fine Art Photography, and returning to his hometown in North Devon. His Artistic practice specialises in analogue still and moving image, reworking traditional photographic techniques into approaches that are more environmentally sustainable and tactile, Recently exploring the still image in three-dimensional forms. George has exhibited work nationally and continues to pursue both commissioned and personal projects. At Studio KIND, his role spans photography, video production, marketing support, design, and exhibition installation.​​​
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​Marketing manager, Erika Cann, is interested in developing artist-led opportunities in the South West, and has recently established a window gallery and test space in Exeter for emerging artists titled Traction Project Space. Erika graduated with a BA in Fine Art from the Ruskin School of Art and works predominantly in sculpture. Her practice playfully explores the relationship between bodies and geologies, drawing on her experience as a rock climber and from stories gathered from landscapes across the South West and beyond.
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Project development director, Peter Stiles, joined the Studio KIND team in the summer of 2024 after managing the gallery at The Plough Arts Centre for a number of years. Peter Stiles moved to North Devon upon graduating The Slade School of Fine Art and has been painting pictures ever since, exhibiting extensively across the South West and the UK. Peter co-founded The Art Writers' Group and worked as a relationship officer for Arts Council England (South West). As a curator, Peter has worked on projects including; 'Vivarium' a study of Victorian Marine biology and George Eliot, The Samuel Taylor Coleridge Festival, a series of events celebrating the life of the Rev Keble Martin and an exhibition studying the work coming out of the Marsland Valley.
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​Gallery Manager and Community Developer David Smale is a musician, whose career has included playing bass for 60's rock pioneers, The Yardbirds, playing double bass on Hollywood soundtracks, co-writing for television, and writing and performing as a solo artist. A Japanese speaker, David was also invited to Osaka to study the traditional Japanese instrument, the Koto. David has extensive connections with the Devon art community and has provided soundtracks for local film makers and co-created podcasts with local poets and storytellers. David's role is to oversee the day-to-day management of the gallery, and he is particularly focused on community outreach and making the gallery into the thriving centre point of artistic community in Barnstaple.
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​Gallery assistant, Orla Davey, graduated with a BA in Photography from Falmouth university and is currently studying an MA in Museum Studies. Her work uses her experiences as a neurodivergent woman to create multimedia pieces, and she works with textiles, digital photography and installation pieces to create experiences for people to allow them to see the world through her eyes. Orla helps with all aspects of gallery life and works as assistant photographer.
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