Artist-led
ArtMakers
ArtMaker is a CIC limited by guarantee set up to support the New Atlantic Wave of artists and makers in north Devon.
ArtMakers was created during Covid lockdowns to support local artists and makers via a new online website and virtual gallery. This work was funded by Innovate UK. Since then it has expanded its work to supporting the creation of the Art Upstairs Gallery in Bideford, running workshops for the socially excluded and various regional exhibitions. Its work is based on a survey of over 300 local artists and makers conducted in 2021.
In 2023 it was recognised by ACE has the third largest visual arts group in England after London and Cornwall. It currently has over 190 members, a mailing list of nearly 500, over 1400 followers on Facebook and nearly 2000 o Instagram. The membership is over 80% female and predominantly over 60 years old.
In 2024 Art Upstairs, with a volunteer management structure, has mounted seven exhibitions including a charity event for the Alzheimer’s Society. In addition Artmakers has mounted art exhibitiuons in partnership shows with Appledore Book Festival and Arlington Court, a National Trust property, At the latter venue a number of drop-in art events and workshops have taken place involving heritage crafts, and local artist and makers.
Working with local Social Subscribers and CVS organisations, with the support of local councillors and the National Lottery, it has provided a series of visual art workshops across the region from Holsworthy to Chivenor for socially excluded individuals. These have led to individuals taking up art classes, forming new friendships and a local photography exhibition.
It has been a significant player in the creation of the regional cultural strategies including ‘Flourishing Culture’(northern Devon); plus ones for Barnstaple and Bideford.
ArtMakers has no full or part-time staff and is run by the four voluntary directors with the substantial support of local artist and makers.
In 2023 it was recognised by ACE has the third largest visual arts group in England after London and Cornwall. It currently has over 190 members, a mailing list of nearly 500, over 1400 followers on Facebook and nearly 2000 o Instagram. The membership is over 80% female and predominantly over 60 years old.
In 2024 Art Upstairs, with a volunteer management structure, has mounted seven exhibitions including a charity event for the Alzheimer’s Society. In addition Artmakers has mounted art exhibitiuons in partnership shows with Appledore Book Festival and Arlington Court, a National Trust property, At the latter venue a number of drop-in art events and workshops have taken place involving heritage crafts, and local artist and makers.
Working with local Social Subscribers and CVS organisations, with the support of local councillors and the National Lottery, it has provided a series of visual art workshops across the region from Holsworthy to Chivenor for socially excluded individuals. These have led to individuals taking up art classes, forming new friendships and a local photography exhibition.
It has been a significant player in the creation of the regional cultural strategies including ‘Flourishing Culture’(northern Devon); plus ones for Barnstaple and Bideford.
ArtMakers has no full or part-time staff and is run by the four voluntary directors with the substantial support of local artist and makers.
CREDIT