Ever fancied dabbling in the arts but put off by the cost of materials?
Now you can have a go for free, thanks to an innovative scheme from Whitstable’s Horsebridge Arts Centre.
The charity has converted a space on its ground floor into one of Britain’s first ARTbanks.
Visitors can browse a wide selection of paint, brushes, books and pre-loved materials and then take them home to experiment. They are only asked to pay what they can afford.
Artists who have surplus supplies are invited to drop off what they no longer need to keep stocks replenished.
The Horsebridge, which is celebrating its 20th year in the seaside town, first pioneered the idea three years ago when the arts slowly began to recover from Covid lockdowns. But it was always run on an ad hoc basis.
Now the centre in Horsebridge Road has been given an £8,400 grant from the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, via Canterbury City Council, to make it permanent and create a dedicated area.
Liz Daone, the centre’s executive director, said: “We are very grateful for this funding.
“A permanent space for the ARTbank will let us increase the stock on display and improve access to more materials.”
She added: “The ARTbank sits at the very heart of what the Horsebridge stands for. We have created a space where free, or affordable, art materials are available to those who need them most.
“We know the positive impact creativity can have on people’s wellbeing, which is why it is important no one is excluded from accessing and enjoying art and craft materials.”
The centre will also be creating sessions to support ARTbank users develop their activities.
Recycling the materials also means fewer end up in landfill tips.
The Horsebridge even offers a collection service within the Whitstable area to pick up surplus supplies.
Cllr Chris Cornell, the council’s cabinet member for economic development and inclusion, said: “You shouldn’t put a price on artistic expression. This is why the Horsebridge, and its commitment to ensuring art remains inclusive, is so important to Whitstable. I’m so pleased the council is able to support the ARTbank and its aims.”
Ms Daone added: “We have long recognised the importance of creativity to well-being and have worked closely with many community groups to provide art materials and social prescribing organisations which have referred individuals to the ARTBank.”
It is hoped the project will begin to generate sufficient funds to become self-supporting.
To learn more about using the ARTBank or donating materials email artbank@thehhorsebridge.org.uk, call 01227 281174 or just pop in.
Nurden's Notebook 