Sir – With reference to Reg Little’s article OFS revamp major threat to arts in the city (December 11), the board of OVADA (Oxford Visual Arts Development Agency) are concerned to clarify some issues in respect of our position regarding the Old Fire Station development proposals.

The board intend to pursue OVADA’s aim of sustaining and developing the work of established and emergent artists, providing an appropriate platform for the exhibition and celebration of art works and an arena for artistic endeavour, discourse and expression in our region.

While accepting that development at OFS is desirable and necessary, we question suggested changes to the gallery space at OFS. The proposed plan for a new gallery may provide a usable space for certain exhibitions, but we believe it lacks many of the qualities of the existing gallery to receive different kinds of work in a creatively sympathetic environment.

We share the concern of those many users and friends of the gallery that we are in danger of losing an excellent arena for the exhibition of work by artists in the region and the board are at one with OVADA’s supporters in the desire to positively influence the planning process in respect of the gallery space. In recognizing and responding to this great opportunity, we aim to sustain, share and celebrate the imaginative creativity demonstrated by artists we are privileged to serve.

During the period leading up to the closure of the premises for building works in 2010, we at OVADA look forward to continuing a dynamic programme of exhibitions and events managed by OVADA staff and volunteers.

The staff and trustees of OVADA are enthusiastically committed to a close and fruitful collaborative engagement and continuing involvement in the current development and long-term future of this exciting initiative at the Old Fire Station.

John Hole, Acting chairman, Oxford Visual Arts Development Agency