What does art and participation mean to Orleans House Gallery? We sat down with their creative producer Andy Franzkowiak to discuss community, biodiversity and the state of the creative industry.
Franzkowiak acts as a pillar of the Richmond arts community, being both a member of the borough authority as well as the general line of communication between the gallery and the artist.
Housing a range of contemporary artists from a range of both domestic and international spheres, the gallery highlights the importance of the arts in bringing people together.
Community
The Twickenham gallery has a distinct emphasis on community and is central to their activity base and collaborative missions with other local businesses and initiatives.
An example would be their south Asian classical music show on Saturday June 26, 2026 as part of High Tide festival set to take place at the gallery.
When asked about the gallery’s continued support of the arts from communities around the world Franzkowiak said: “We wanted to ensure that those relationships were meaningful and not extractive […] That incredible as a sharing of knowledge, different cultures and their relationships with the world around them.”
The gallery also looks to support the next generation of artists by hosting a number of youth inclusive programmes such as their 16-30 arts careers evening, where younger members of the local community are encouraged to explore their creative sides.
Environment
Franzkowiak also highlighted that the environment is also central to Orleans House Gallery’s identity.
He described the gallery as ‘an incredible ecosystem’ explaining that it is much more than an art gallery because it’s situated within a woodland and is walking distance from the River Thames.
The natural surroundings inspire exhibitions that explore issues such as climate change, biodiversity, and wellbeing.
Through the gallery’s Cultural Reforesting programme, artists work with schools, scientists, and local residents to encourage people to ‘renew our relationship with nature’.
He also explained that spending time in the woodland and galleries benefits people’s wellbeing, encouraging visitors to “give your soul something really filling.”
The environment is held by the gallery as the foundation of its inclusive messagery and mission, through nature-centric exhibitions and services.
AI
A conversation around an exhibition by Libby Heaney, from a few months ago at the gallery, had cropped up. Specifically, on how she had used AI and technology for her artwork.
Considering that the use of AI, especially generatively, has become a controversial topic of debate. We asked furthermore to elaborate on AI culture at the gallery and their perception of AI usage on art.
Franzkowiak said: “I think we are hurtling somewhere slightly without thinking critically about it as a wider society”
Mentioning how as a local authority and art service in Richmond, that Orleans House wants to foster a space for conversation regarding this topic and trying to figure out a wider approach to AI in the art field.
Franzkowiak said: “A lot of what we do [in society] is progress, for progress sake without thinking about the wise recital damage that’s been done”
Image credit: Dannie Jing
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