ACEcreate

Aim: To provide a warm, inviting space for all to come and engage in different creative activities with free drop-in sessions three times weekly.

Who are we?

ACEarts is a small charity based in Somerton, Somerset.  We believe everyone should benefit from access to art-based activities and offer a free annual programme of varied exhibitions, many by local artists.  Alongside this we offer accessible workshops, talks, drop-ins and other related events. We also support local artists and craftspeople by showcasing and selling their work in our gallery shop.

Community impact

ACEarts is based in a rural area where access to cultural experience is very limited, we provide free access to art and creative activities for all in a welcoming, inclusive environment. We support local artists and craftspeople by selling their work, employing them to facilitate our workshops, talks and community project work.  In 2022, this included a schools exhibition; a year-long textile project partnering with various other groups and culminating in an public participatory exhibition; pottery sessions for elderly residents of a local extra care scheme; working with organisations such as Yeovil Hub; and Archies Xtra, a Somerton based youth scheme, to design and produce artwork panels for their meeting place; and working with a local village youth club on a Jubilee banner used at all their celebrations.

Why are we crowdfunding?

In an environment where the continually increasing cost of living impacts everyone, but especially those on lower incomes, finding funds for creative activity sinks to the bottom of many people's list.  In addition, our operational costs are rapidly rising too.  We want to reach as many people as possible with free regular drop-in sessions providing a warm space, refreshments and a chance to connect with others, take part in creative activity and learn new skills.  We are crowdfunding to allow us to continue our community projects including these sessions to a wider, more diverse audience with a greater number of participants.

How we’ll spend the money raised

Money raised will be used to heat our gallery, provide a facilitator for all sessions, refreshments and, where needed, resources to allow anyone to be able to take part.