GOSAP is a gallery located in paisley and is specifically catering for student and amateur photographers. This is a first of its kind to offer such a service and an opportunity to encourage students to be more creative in their photography studies. Connecting with all colleges and universities I’m hoping to create a space that brings together a collection of work that coincides with the various exhibition themes to showcase to the public.
Through our website students and amateur photographers nationally and internationally can submit their chosen images for consideration for a specific exhibit. To submit their images and to help them financially we will not charge a fee simply for submitting, however if their image or images are chosen, they will get an opportunity to have their work in the exhibition at a cost £15.00 per image. They will also have to agree that their image will be printed on merchandise that will be for sale. In agreeing to this those who’s images are chosen will also benefit from earning a small commission on sales of said merchandise.
GOSAP will display 10 themed exhibitions per year with several individual exhibitions showcasing the individual talents of a chosen photographers. Each exhibition will display a collection of approx. 70/90 images. These will be within the theme of the collection. Each image will give the viewing public the chance to vote for their favourite image on display. This will then give the winning photographer a stand-alone exhibition of their own to display a collection of their own chosen images, again this will allow us to merchandise that collection for sale.
GOSAP also has its own photography studio which will be available for those to hire that have left education but need a space to book professional shoots. This studio will be available at a cost to hire generating income for the gallery. Something I feel is pivotal in encouraging those leaving education to continue where their financial situation may not allow for them to have their own space fulltime until they build on their success.
GOSAP is being set up as a CIC which is a community interest company that will be limited by shares. This means it will for the purpose of benefiting student and amateur photographers with some exceptions. We have allocated 50,000 shares at £1.00 per share, by doing so we are generating investment to finance the initial outlay and working capital. With this set up those purchasing shares will then become shareholders and members with voting rights. An allocation of 35% of the net profits will be divided amongst its shareholders and members in the form of a dividend at the end of the financial year. With the surplus 65% being used for the purpose of what the company was set up to do and that’s to benefit the community of student and amateur photographers to help with their creative endeavors. And, to help with the company to benefit the continuation of its growth. This will in line with the regulations required to operate the company’s structure.
Those wishing to register interest in purchasing shares can do by emailing
provide full name, address, and possible share interest. Share can be purchased at a minimum of £100 up to a maximum of £5000. Regardless of shares held, each shareholder only has one vote per person.
No initial payment is due upon registering interest. Shareholders would be giving a full prospectus, and a due date of when all shares must be paid up by. Only then will a share certificate be issued. These certificates must be kept safe at all times as duplicates cannot be issued unless certificate is damaged, and the damaged certificate returned to the CIC. The shareholders will be registered with the regulators and companies house. This will not put any liabilities upon the individual in the event the company fails. Or is wound up.
As a CIC, we must nominate an asset locked body, The organisation must be a registered charity or CIC who will utilise the companies assets in a way that will benefit those in which our company was set up to do. We have chosen to nominate WEST COLLEGE SCOTLAND to receive any assets if GOSAP seizes to continue. This is of the understanding that all monies are used to benefit photography students.
GOSAP will be launching many initiatives that will not only benefit students and amateur photographers, but also towns and cities, developing partnerships with local authorities and businesses by bringing the wider communities together, more information will be available on or website and socials in due course.
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT BY DONATING OR PURCHASING A GOSAP REWARD ON OUR CROWDFUNDER PAGE.