Councillors award council community grant to Chapel Arts Studio (CAS)
Council grant helps provide art activities for families
An arts charity in Andover that encourages community connection and possibilities through art has benefitted from a £500 councillor community grant.
An arts charity in Andover that encourages community connection and possibilities through art has benefitted from a £500 councillor community grant.
The money was used by Chapel Arts Studios (CAS), alongside Arts Council funding, towards running art workshops with families from across the borough.
Children and adults used electrical waste to create their own art pieces inspired by the ‘Useless Machines’ on show at the current Funderdome exhibition at St Mary’s Chapel. Participants were encouraged to think about useless items, tech waste and landfills, and their effect on developing countries.
Families were able to learn about and discuss important issues such as consumerism, waste, and the environment in a creative and engaging way before having a go at making their own pieces, inspired by the exhibiting artists’ use of materials, production methods, and concepts.
CAS Creative Community Lead Liz Hammond, said:
“It was wonderful to see so many families come together to learn about and engage with contemporary art and the message behind the Funderdome exhibition.”
The £500 contribution from Test Valley Borough Council was used to cover the costs of materials and staffing. The cheque was presented by Test Valley Borough Councillors for Andover St Mary’s, Cllr Jan Budzynski, Cllr Iris Andersen and Cllr Debbie Cattell (pictured).
Cllr Iris Andersen said,
“The children taking part when we visited the art workshop at CAS were really enjoying creating artwork from scrap electrical equipment. It’s wonderful to see council funding really making a difference and bringing enjoyment and enrichment to people’s lives in our communities.”
The Test Valley borough councillors’ community grant scheme has been created to support local people in establishing their own priorities and to deliver local solutions to local issues. It also aims to encourage community led initiatives, supported by Borough councillors who can play an active part in helping their communities deliver their ambitions.
Not-for-profit, charitable community groups and organisations can apply for a grant up to two-thirds of the cost of their project or activity, up to a maximum of £1,000.
Find out more about how to apply for a councillor community grants and who’s eligible at: https://www.testvalley.gov.uk/communityandleisure/workingwithcommunities/communitygrants/test-valley-borough-councillors-community-grant
CAS want to ensure that the inhabitants of Andover can engage with art, regardless of circumstance, by bringing great art experiences right to the heart of the community. Because early access to exciting, high-quality art inspires young people to become the artists, musicians, and writers of the future.
This is the last week to catch the ‘Useless Machines’ show, by nationally acclaimed artists Kialy Thingang and Stuart Robinson, which is open at St Mary’s Chapel, Andover Cemetery, Thursday to Saturday 11am to 4pm, until Saturday (11 November).