Arts events and opportunities to enrich the local communities in Test Valley
The Test Valley Arts Foundation (TVAF) is an independent charity which supports arts and culture in our local communities. Since 1991TVAF have invested over £1million in the arts in Test Valley and under the leadership of Yinnon Ezra MBE have developed an exciting project for the future – Test Valley Borough of Culture 2020.
An update on Test Valley Borough of Culture 2020
Dealing with the virus is constantly evolving – taking what is happening in other countries, a gradual loosening of the lockdown is the best we can hope for in the short and medium term so we are not postponing the whole thing! Our view is that Culture, in all its forms, provides an important opportunity for people to both express themselves and find a way of reconnecting with thoughts and emotions that have been seriously shaken. Hence what is being proposed is that when we are in a position to do so, those events which are appropriate in the current programme and are sensible and permissible in terms of ‘health and safety’ should continue, all be it a bit later. We are deliberately keeping this fluid so we can respond positively. As for the larger events that will be more difficult so we are pushing them into 2021 but when we can we will quickly seek new dates and rearrange with the venues.
Please continue to visit the 2020 website for further updates: www.testvalley2020.org and our Facebook pages.
Supporting Artists
Already this year TVAF have made many awards to local artists and groups including Kaz Trinder’s Plastic Trees project, Romsey Chamber Music Festival, Andover Loft Singers workshop and Kate Jackson’s Romsey, The Movie.
We are continuing to make awards throughout the year so please download the application form and send with requested details.
What we do
We support artists in the community
TVAF set up Chapel Arts Studios in Andover ten years ago, under the guidance of David Dixon. In 2018 this acquired Arts Council NPO status to become an independent organistion. TVAF continues to support artists by putting on events where artists can engage with the public as well as offering grant funding to individual artists for specific projects. Click image to go to Chapel Arts Studio
We provide educational services
In 2018, TVAF supported and funded the Talk About Festival in Andover; this involved spoken word artist Cat Randle working with three local schools on a poetry project which was performed at The Lights in Andover. In 2019 we supported local playwright Roy Chatfield to put on a professional production of It Happened in Hampshire at over a dozen local schools and the Enham Trust as well as a public performance at The Lights.
We organise multiple art events
We provide arts events to help enrich the quality of life in Test Valley and also to raise awareness and enthusiasm for arts activities. TVAF also works in partnership with other organisations to deliver a variety of opportunities for creative experimentation, cultural experiences, creative expression, and arts education.
We champion the arts in the area
We speak up for culture and creativity and work to ensure that the value of the arts is widely recognised and supported.
