When I first visited The Mining Exchange, the colourful art and the energy it gives the place immediately caught my eye. Located in the heart of Redruth, 81 Fore St is home to a collective of artists who have created something truly special. The artworks displayed range from various ceramics and little trinkets to vast acrylic paintings, each telling their own story about who created them. It is the kind of place that makes you feel alive and makes you wonder about everything great that can be achieved in our world.  

How is this possible, you might ask? To find out more, I returned a few weeks later for a chat with Phil Kincaid, the founder of The Mining Exchange.  

Phil was wearing snazzy ankle-high boots adorned with images of Mother Mary, spoke of how they were his favourite and that he’d wear them till the day they fell apart. Vonny, a friend of Phil’s, mentioned how she’d written about them in the past. We were joined by another friend called Sharon, and there were lots of other people coming in and out of the place as we talked, stopping by to talk about how their day had gone, or their plans for upcoming events they were involved in. The space was filled with laughter and joy.  

Our conversation focused on the ethos of the place, how it has developed and how Phils’ values have helped shape it, alongside the community he has helped create. Nowhere in the building is staff only, the entire place is open to the public. They don’t do exclusivity, everyone is welcome.  

In an increasingly online world, “we (the Mining Exchange) believe in face-to-face, talking to people, personal connection”. He told me how everyone supports each other, that it’s a “community about the community”. People here feel valued, instead of judged, in contrast to so many other places in society. Striving to be truly inclusive and diverse is what is most important.  

Phil spoke of treating everyone as “equal, not special”. What he means by this is that no matter what disability someone may have, be it mental or physical, they are treated the same as all others and not labelled in a certain way. Considering how such things have been framed in recent times, people can take this personally, as if they are being discriminated against. Not using labels however, places the people at the fore.  

Seven different artists rent studio space at The Mining Exchange in Redruth, while the total number of artists who have works displayed there is 64 and counting all the time. All the work you can see in the Exchange is available for sale. A range of all age groups, including both people who are just starting out in creating art, as well as those who have been artists for decades. The artwork spreads across each and every nook and cranny of the space, all blending together, with the idea that it’s people who are blending together.