Art by Osian is a brand-new contemporary art gallery, which has just been opened deep in the heart of Mid Wales. Following a friend’s recommendation, owner and artist Osian Gwent got in touch with Business Wales to discuss starting his own business. Following advisory support, Osian was able to launch the gallery and is already looking ahead at gaining success at national and international markets.
Having lived and travelled around the world for over 20 years, in 2016, fine-art painter Osian Gwent decided to return home to Wales, which has been a source of inspiration for many of his works.
With his paintings on show at prestigious competitions and venues all around the UK, including the Mid Wales Arts Centre, the Welsh Contemporary Art Exhibition in London and currently the National Assembly for Wales, Osian finally fulfilled his dream of opening his own studio close to home, in the heart of Mid Wales.
Opened in Llanidloes in January 2019, Art by Osian is a working studio and art gallery where visitors are welcome to meet the artist, chat or even watch the painting process in real time.
Why did you want to start your own business?
I moved to an area where there was little opportunity for work. So, I had to create my own.
I previously had a career and I was no longer interested in pursuing it any further. I went to art college to become an artist, but I was too young and inexperienced to run my own business at the time. Now, I had the opportunity and the life experience to give it a go.
What challenges did you face?
When I decided to finally set up my own gallery, I didn’t really know how to go about starting and running my own business. I needed help dealing with finances, getting my head round office admin and accounts, as well as marketing to help me get known and established in the beginning.
Why did you approach the Welsh Government’s Business Wales service and what support have you received?
Osian got in touch with Business Wales for start-up support including help with planning, organisation, management and marketing. He attended a start-up workshop as he had never run a business before and was very daunted by the idea of being self-employed. The course eased his fears and gave him the confidence to take the plunge.
He also attended a Tax & Bookkeeping workshop to gain knowledge on his legal status and tax returns.
Outcomes
- a new start-up launched in rural Mid Wales
- 1 job created
A friend of mine started their own business and recommended Business Wales to me. My business adviser Lee Stephens was very helpful and insightful. He helped me to establish parts of the business to focus on and develop further.
Future plans and ambitions
At the moment, I’m establishing myself locally and regionally. In the next 2 to 3 years, I aim to have national representation and then focus on international markets, too.
If you want to read more success stories of how Business Wales has helped other people like you to start or grow their businesses, visit https://businesswales.gov.wales/case-studies or follow @_businesswales on Twitter.