Since 2016 Aspex gallery has encouraged over 3,000 children to explore their creativity through their weekly workshop Family Saturdays.
These sessions, led by local artists, are an opportunity for children to build vital skills and confidence whilst spending quality time with their parents/guardians.
However, with funding due to come an end this year we now need your support to raise £4,500 to continue this important work.
Image: Family Saturdays, Aspex (Dan Boss, 2019)
Supporting children and families through art
As well as being Portsmouth’s leading contemporary art gallery, Aspex is a registered educational charity.
For over 38 years we have been encouraging people to take part in free and accessible arts activities from our home in Portsmouth (UK). Most recently, this has been in the form of Family Saturdays.
We believe that everyone has the right to access art, and the benefit that it has upon our wellbeing and development. Because of this it is crucial to us that these workshops continue to operate and remain free for children and families -- so that they are fully accessible to our local community.
Opportunities for children and young people to take part in creative activities are under threat.
In a 2018 survey, the BBC stated that 9 in 10 schools had cut back in providing lesson time, staff or facilities in at least one creative arts subject. It is now vital for children/young people to explore their creativity and develop artistic skills outside of school through free and inclusive sessions like Family Saturdays.
Image: Family Saturdays, Aspex (Dan Boss, 2019)
Why we need your support
Over the past three years these sessions have been supported by charitable trusts and foundations. As this funding comes to an end we need your generous support so families can continue create, explore and grow together.
Now is more important than ever, as thanks to Arts Council England’s Catalyst: Evolve programme every donation made is directly matched - meaning your contribution can go even further.
We need to raise £4,500 to continue running these sessions. The money raised will be used to pay for over 416 hours of our Workshop Leader’s time, as well as purchase vital materials.
Image: Family Saturdays offsite at Victorious Festival, Southsea Common (Dan Boss, 2018)
Reap the rewards
We have some fantastic awards on offer for people who pledge their support, from artworks donated by our Workshop Leaders, to badges, mugs and tote bags - all designed by the children who attend Family Saturdays.
FAQs
What will happen if you don’t receive the full amount?
The money raised through this Crowdfunder, regardless if it meets the target, will go directly into supporting Family Saturdays for as long as possible.
If we do not meet our target, we won’t simply give up. We recognise the value of this workshop and its impact upon the children and families who take part
Isn’t Aspex supported by Arts Council England and Portsmouth City Council?
Aspex is a National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) of Arts Council England and receives ongoing support from Portsmouth City Council to support our core staff and operational costs.
For every exhibition, event or educational activity we fundraise, sourcing financial support in order to employ Workshop Leaders, purchase materials and more.
When will I receive my reward?
All rewards will be sent out following the Crowdfunder’s completion (25 May 2019). All general rewards will be sent out via Royal Mail (second class). Please see the product descriptions for other delivery specifications.
Will you ask people for money again after this campaign?
The money we raise will allow Family Saturdays to continue for a year. In this time we hope to find suitable funding to extend the workshop further. If you wish to receive information from Aspex please sign up to our newsletter (Click Here)
Have any further questions?
E: [email protected] | T: +44 (0)23 9277 8080
Image: Children exploring An Orrery for Other Worlds, Andy Harper (Aspex, 2010)
About Aspex
Aspex is a unique contemporary art gallery located in Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth. Their mission is to support emerging artists and reveal the creative process. They connect people with artists, creating opportunities to experience contemporary visual art in a broad variety of ways; from looking and discussing, to making and curating.
Established in 1981, Aspex has a reputation for supporting emerging artists at key stages in their career development, providing opportunities to make a step change in their practice. These include many who are now international art stars: Helen Chadwick, Cornelia Parker, Richard Wilson and Catherine Yass to name but a few.
Aspex also seeks to reveal the creative process to audiences, connecting them to artists and enabling them to explore their own creativity. This is achieved through provision of a lively participation and learning programme that is recognised by the arts industry as one of the best in the country.
IG: @aspexportsmouth | T: @aspexportsmouth | FB: @aspexgallery