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A photograph of an event that is part of an installation in a gallery space. The exhibition consists of sculptural objects including a large fabric banner that encircles the central area, a rope net structure that hangs from the ceiling and a wicker sculpture hanging from a wall. Three performers sit and stand in the central area, they are dressed in black and are activating a series of smaller objects and instruments.
Announcement

WEVAA Delivery Report 2021-2024

The WEVAA Deliv­ery Report, which shares the out­comes of the 2021 – 2024 West of Eng­land Visu­al Arts Alliance (WEVAA) programme.

Posted
14/05/25
Source
VASW

The West of England Visual Arts Alliance has played a crucial role in supporting and strengthening the South West visual arts sector over the past three years. This is a clear example of how cross-disciplinary partnerships can drive meaningful and lasting change, responding to the ever evolving needs of the arts sector. The programme has created critical opportunities for practitioners and audiences, alongside coherent and direct investment in emerging talent, as well as artist and organisational development. It has shown how resources, knowledge and ambition can be shared to prioritise the need to move towards an inclusive visual arts ecology that supports artists at all stages of their careers. The foundation established by this programme will continue to contribute to the region for years to come.
- Helen Cammock, artist

We are proud to share the WEVAA Delivery Report, which shares the outcomes of the 2021-2024 West of England Visual Arts Alliance (WEVAA) programme.

The WEVAA programme brought significant investment to the visual arts ecology of Bristol and the West of England. Artists have created new work through 34 commissions (27 of which were for artists based in the South West) and 52 bursaries, leading to national and international tours and opportunities. New organisational models have been established, and artist groups and collectives have been supported to strengthen and sustain their work into the future.

We saw engagement of over 2000 for professional development opportunities through 337 activities, including events, workshops, mentoring, training and networking; and over 87,000 audience visits to exhibitions and artist-led activity. Over £335,000 was paid directly to artists in fees and development support.

WEVAA has brought about many special events, new collaborations and alliances that would not have come into being without the support of the programme. I believe there will be legacy to these new beginnings.
- Programme participant

Read the report

WEVAA is dedicated to artist development, commissioning and sector support. The partnership is committed to continuing this work, drawing on the cross disciplinary knowledge, experience and resources that this collaboration brings to progress and strengthen the sector.

Initiatives like WEVAA – bringing together universities, artist-led organisations, young people’s programmes, and councils – demonstrate the power of collaboration in building thriving creative ecosystems. The past three years have laid a strong foundation for an ambitious and far-reaching programme. Continued investment will unlock even greater opportunities for growth, innovation, and lasting impact across the visual arts ecosystem; strengthening regional connectivity, fostering collaboration between hubs and grassroots, and ensuring the sector is central in driving economic and cultural development across the creative corridor of the West of England.
- Paula Orrell, National Director CVAN

WEVAA is led by Spike Island and VASW, with partners Bath Spa School of Art, Film and Media, Bristol City Council, The Brunswick Club, Creative Youth Network, Super Culture, North Somerset Council and the University of the West of England, Bristol. Find out more here.

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