2012 Olympics ‘affect funding for arts ’

Sep 19 2008 by Laurie Stocks-Moore, Chester Chronicle

2012 Olympics ‘affect funding for arts ’

FUNDING for London 2012 is being blamed after it emerged a county-wide annual art event could end.

Cheshire Open Studios has run every year for a decade, helped by funding from the Arts Council and local councils.

But after this year’s event – coming to Chester this weekend – that financial support will stop.

Organiser Emma Hodge said: “The Olympics has affected arts funding generally – whether that’s the reason our funding’s stopping, I don’t know.”

She added the loss of Cheshire Open Studios could hit Chester’s economy.

“It brings in a lot of tourism,” said Emma. “People buy petrol and food when they come – that extra support benefits more than just the artists.”

The cash had previously been used to fund the operation of the website and creation of brochures and Emma says alternative sources of funding are being sought.

Cheshire Open Studios takes place tomorrow and Sunday. It will provide an opportunity for art lovers to see 11 Chester artists at work and even buy their creations.

Artist Anne Clements is opening the doors of the studio at her home on Ormonde Road, Bache for demonstrations.

It is only the second year Anne, who produces wheel-thrown stoneware, has taken part but could be the last.

The former teacher at The Queen’s School added: “I tend to blame the Olympics.

“There is less arts funding available than there has been. If there is no funding, I think there’s enough of us in Chester who would form a group to do it ourselves.

“It’s quite a fun thing to do. You get the chance to nose around and you see things in studios for £25 which would be £40 in shops.”

Visitors can watch as she provides demonstrations at the potter’s wheel and kiln at the back of her house from 11am and 2pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Margaret Chandler, who produces imaginary pictures for book illustration, and bright abstract paintings, is opening her studio at 4 Garth Drive.

Other attractions include: Ken Davies and Nellie Maan, 6 Beech Grove, Chester; Richard Coan, 10 Beech Grove, Hoole; Richard Pryke, 1a Dee Hills Park, Chester; Janet Webb, 17 City Walls, Chester; Claire Troughton, 17 Handbridge, Chester; Wendy Bellman, Sandycroft House, Sherrington Lane, Broxton; Sonja Moss-Dolega and Susan Beck, Atelier at Burton Manor, Unit 1/ The Gatehouse, The Village, Burton, Neston.

Visit www.artistsatwork.org.uk or call Emma on 07795 978243 for full details.