We are delighted to share that Olivia Bailey, MP for Reading West, has officially expressed her support for our bid to secure Brock Keep as a permanent home for Open Hand Open Space (OHOS) and its partner organisations.

After visiting OHOS and viewing our latest exhibition Olivia Bailey stated:

“I was really pleased to be able to visit Open Hand Open Space studios at Brock Keep yesterday and see firsthand their latest exhibition of work by Ukrainian artists.
It is a hugely important local asset, and I am pleased to support the bid for Brock Keep that they have submitted along with their partner organisations.”

This recognition is a crucial step forward in our campaign. Having the backing of our local MP strengthens our case and highlights the cultural and community value of OHOS.

However, we know that securing Brock Keep is just one part of a much larger issue. The survival of OHOS speaks to a broader issue: the need for a sustainable, well-supported arts ecosystem in Reading. Too often, visual arts are treated as an afterthought, despite their integral role in the town’s cultural identity.

We believe that cultural organisations in Reading must work together to engage local government, advocate for long-term investment, and ensure that the arts are recognised, valued, and funded as they deserve. That’s why we are actively collaborating with our partners to build a stronger, more resilient future for artists and audiences alike.

We need your help! Please continue to share the petition, spread the word, and stand with us—every signature and show of solidarity makes a difference.

Let’s ensure that OHOS and Brock Keep remain a vital space for contemporary art in Reading!