Test Valley Arts Foundation are delighted to have been awarded £25,000 to deliver 3 ambitious, creative projects, creating lasting cultural resources for residents of Test Valley and creating a more inclusive local arts and cultural scene.
Experienced local Storyteller Amanda Kane Smith will be the project lead for one of the three funded projects – the creation of a podcast, illustrated book & artist made map which compile & re-tell the folk tales and legends of Test Valley. She said,
“It’s wonderful to be able to start work on something so creative during these dark days! These stories will help local families to explore and discover local places through the joy of stories and imagination.”
The other two funded projects include a series of art workshops for disabled and neuro-divergent children & adults led by local artist Elizabeth Hammond, and a consultation project engaging Test Valley’s ethnic minority population and aiming to improve the diversity and inclusion of Test Valley’s cultural offer.
The projects will form part of the Borough of Culture Festival, devised by Test Valley Arts Foundation as a celebration of Test Valley’s arts and cultural scene. The festival was initially due to run throughout 2020 but has been extended indefinitely to allow time for activities to resume post Covid-19.
Project co-ordinator, Rebecca Maddox said “This is an exciting achievement which reinforces the place of art and culture in a rural location such as Test Valley. After such a tough year, it’s wonderful to be able to pursue these projects which will create work for self employed artists, and rich creative experiences for local residents.
