Friday the 19th of June was a big day for the Test Valley Arts Foundation (TVAF).
At a sun drenched Garden Gallery in Broughton, some 100+ guests including Caroline Nokes MP, the Deputy Mayor of Test Valley Cllr Karen Hamilton, and Cllr Roy Perry, Leader of Hampshire County Council, were invited by gallery owners Rachel and Gordon Bebb and Yinnon Ezra MBE – Chairman of TVAF – to celebrate over twenty four years of the Foundation’s cultural activities in Test Valley.
Since its formation in 1991 the Foundation has invested over £700K in arts projects within the region, both from its own funds and grants and from monies raised through local sponsorship. The Foundation’s flagship project, Chapel Arts Studios in Andover – www.chapelartsstudios.co.uk – now has over 20 associated artists under the direction of Lead Artist David Dixon who work extensively in the Test Valley with numerous community groups and local schools. The event at the Garden Gallery on 19th June was an important opportunity to thank the artists and sponsors such as Be Wiser Insurance and Aster Communities for their continuing support.
During the evening, TVAF’s latest project “The Arts Bus” was officially launched by Caroline Nokes MP and the Deputy Mayor of Test Valley Cllr Karen Hamilton. The vehicle is already in use taking artists to local estates, including a spell at the Hat Fair in Winchester.
Yinnon Ezra MBE, the Chairman of Test Valley Arts Foundation said “This is an exciting time for the Foundation as it expands its activities and reach. The Arts Bus was something local artists felt could be used to take “Arts to the People” – everything from organising local workshops to fun packed days with theatre. If anyone is interested in either booking the Bus or becoming a volunteer driver they should contact us through our website”. www.testvalleyarts.org