A NEW speakeasy bar has opened in Bournemouth in partnership with artist, Lucanart, and wants to become the town's hub for artists.

Bournemouth businessman, Simon Dawson created the idea for Blynd Tiger after wanting to help grow the art scene and build a place in town which isn't 'clique' and 'overpriced'.

Partnering with artist, Miroslav 'Lucanart' Lucan, both shared hopes the bar can become a place for professional people to share ideas while also giving artists a platform to display their works.

Simon said: "Art and music are two ways you can change people's mental health.

"I want professional people to come together, share ideas, raise their level, walk out here with more connections and happier than when they walked in."

Known for his street art, Miroslav invested in the bar after believing the town has lost a place for artists to be able to display their work.

Miroslav expressed hopes the bar can fill the hole the Giant art gallery in Bobby's left in the Bournemouth art scene after it closed in January 2024.

He said: "There is a lack of studio spaces, a lack of exhibition spaces, and generally spaces for creatives to come together and just have a bit of a talk and do a bit of drawing.

"It's not just visual artists either, it's musicians as well, especially acoustic, and poets. 

"If this could become a cultural venue, not once in a blue moon, but regularly putting stuff on, it has the potential to bring not only just the creative community but the business community."

With plans to hold a monthly art exhibition, Simon suggested the bar would also hold ambient jazz alongside other musicians to help support their work.

Displaying art on the walls, all profits from the sale of the work goes straight to the artist with Simon keen not to allow bartering for prices.

He said: "I hate people who negotiate for art. You don't undercut an artist.

"A friend from Chaplins once told me 'I might be only working on that piece for 20 hours but I've thought about it for too long'".