Local Projects Fund

In previous years VARC had an annuual fund of £3000 available to support local projects that directly involve an artist and are of benefit to the Tarset, North Tyne or Redesdale communities. Applications were welcomed  from groups or individuals based in Tarset, North Tyne and Redesdale for projects that: 1)result in a new piece of artwork or series of works that wouldn’t otherwise have got made, 2) directly relate to the landscape or community in some way and include some direct benefit to a sector of the Tarset, North Tyne or Redesdale community or as a whole, whether this is through outcome or through participation.

The following projects have been supported to date:

– A series of creative workshops for carers in Bellingham run by Freeflow in conjunction with Carers Northumberland and led by artist Rachel Phillimore.

– A mural to be commissioned by Bellingham Heritage Centre from artist Rachel Pearson and an improved lighting system for the Centre’s temporary exhibition area.

– Byrness St Francis Church and residents of Byrness village have made a textile collage depicting St Francis and native animals, birds and flowers. The hanging will be displayed as an altar frontal in the church during St Francis tide and in Byrness Village Hall at other times. The project has been led by artist Sue Moorhouse who lives in Byrness.

– North Tyne and Redesdale Agricultural Society commissioned Helen Brown, shepherdess and photographer, to document Bellingham Show. Her photographs will be displayed online at www.bellinghamshow.com.

– Corsenside Recreation Access Group commissioned wooden wildlife sculptures from forester Simon Banks. The sculptures are in place along tracks and in the clearing in Fourlaws Forest to make the area more attractive and encourage local people to use it.

– Elsdon residents, led by local artist Carolle Morpeth, are making a large wall panel for the village hall which brings together many small painted canvasses that show special or important parts of the village. See the group’s online blog www.elsdonartproject.wordpress.com

– Freeflow’s programme of Saturday morning arts activity sessions for children in Bellingham in 2007/2008.

– The Friends of Rupert’s Wood support work with children, young people, vulnerable adults and local residents at the Rupert’s wood Project based in Redesdale.  VARC funding helped to build a bridge over a stream that would re-instate a footpath.  Several workshops were held with groups to gather ideas, designs and to be part of the practical work.