“create, inspire, educate”

Unity Arts Trust: ‘not for profit’ company limited by guarantee (company no: 6256028)

Unity Arts Trust has a mission. It wants to build a dynamic and thriving community of artists and craftspeople in Chichester, whose creativity, skill and ambition reach out into the wider community providing pleasure and inspiration – to learn and to practice.

Unity Studios: space for 11 artists, currently a pilot project in Units 15/16 St James Industrial Estate, Westhampnett Rd, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 7JU (on the right heading east from the city centre towards Sainsburys. Note: Visits by appointment only.)

To enquire about applying for studio space and/or mentoring, and supporting UAT’s wider aims, please contact us at
info@unityartstrust.org.uk

HISTORY:

2003 –
• “The lack of low cost studio space makes it particularly difficult for individuals to make the leap from semi-professional artists to fully-professional artists”. (July 2003 ‘Study of arts and heritage sector’ for West Sussex County Council and Chichester District Council by Sussex Arts Marketing).

2006 –
• A group of local artists, recognising the need for arts facilities and aware of the 2003 report from WSCC and CDC, come together informally in response to proposed redevelopment of Graylingwell by English Partnerships.
• First public forum, and investigation of alternatives to Graylingwell.

2007 –
• 2nd public forum.
• Investigation of the possibility of ‘incubators’ on the University’s Bognor Campus.
• Negotiations with English Partnerships, Linden Homes LLP and Chichester District Council for the provision of specialised studio, workshop and gallery facilities on the Graylingwell re-development.
• Started developing credible business plan for Graylingwell.

2008 –
• Formed as ‘not-for-profit’ Ltd Company.
• Successful in getting into Chichester District Councils’ LDF.
• Viewed possible temporary space in the Gym @ Rousillion Barracks, also owned by English Partnerships.
• Negotiations with ‘Futurecity’ over Graylingwell Arts strategy.

2009 –
• Successful in getting studios into the Section 106 planning conditions for the re-development – “1500 sq meters for artists studios”.
• Graylingwell’s ‘Community Development Trust’ formed as Charity.
• Entered discussions with CDC over setting up a pilot on St James Industrial Estate, and fundraising campaign to raise sufficient money.

2010 –
• April – Moved into the pilot space in St James.
• Graylingwell’s building phase 1 starts.
• May – fist Open Studio event.
• July – exhibiton at Oxmarket Gallery in Chichester.
• October – started up the Mentoring scheme in Community Education and the ’shadowing’ scheme.
• November – second Open Studio event.

2011

• 7/8 & 14/15 May 2011, Open Studios.

THE TRUSTEES

• Mark Luyt-Eastwood (Auditor, Premier Foods)
• John Paine (Consultant, London First)
• Tim Sandys-Renton (Artist, Senior Lecturer at University of Chichester)
• Louisa Higgs (PR counsultant, National Open Art Competition)
• Joanne Webb (Artist & Designer, community education coordinator)

MENTORS FOR COMMUNITY EDUCATION:

• Rachel Johnston – community education http://www.chi.ac.uk/fineart/RachelJohnston.cfm
• Mandie Saw – community education http://www.mandiesaw.org/

PARTNERS

The Unity Arts Trust is currently working with:
• University of Chichester,
• Chichester District Council,
• West Sussex County Council’s Arts Service.
• Creative Partnerships, Sussex and Surrey.
• Westergate Community School, Specialists in Visual and Performing Arts,

RECENT SPONSORS

• Access-by-Design
• Chichester District Council
• University of Chichester
• West Sussex County Council
• Thomas Eggar Solicitors, Chichester
  

OTHER FUNDERS:

• Many thanks to the several individuals who have given money.
• Sussex Community Foundation, Grassroots fund.
• West Sussex County Council CLC committee.
• Seaward Properties.
• Covers.
• Wickes

ADMINISTRATOR:
• Nick Worthy