Art with a Heart mission is to contribute to the regeneration of the Heart of the Town centre using the Arts by making art more accessible to a wider audience, supporting emerging artists irrespective of age, background, religion or culture and encouraging participation by the local community, societies, groups and schools in the deployment of programmed events.

7 reasons for Art with a Heart are:

1. Encourages dwell time in the Town Centre
2. Its time to get the art out of the school corridors and into a public exhibition space to be appreciated by a wider audience
3. Encourages and support emerging Creatives, encouraging diversity
4. Facilitates the change in the mindset and perception of Art in the Real World, it is a valid career choice
5. Mentors volunteers in the Arts, it is about skills and experience
6. Complements not competes with other organisations
7. Raises the awareness of local charities, groups, societies and associations through a series of programme events

What we'll deliver:

• Refurbish the Empty unit into a flexible Arts Centre for the benefit of the Community,
• Create a Heritage space that can be freely enjoyed by the Community
• Delver a full range of diverse and regular exhibitions every two to three weeks
• Support Emerging Creatives, without prejudice or bias through a series of events and exhibitions
• Provide an Arts Space that can be utilised by other Artists and Organisations
• Organise and Host the Altrincham Open Art Exhibition
• Organise and Host the Trafford Schools Open Art Exhibition, with an Awards Ceremony
• Work with the Community in support of Arts Projects

Why it's a great idea:

Art with a Heart delivered 6 exhibitions over 4 months attracting 6,000+ visitors in its previous temporary unit in the Town. It increased footfall and encouraged dwelltime. This unit had been empty for over two years, one of many creating a negative attitude and impression of the Town.

Opening to the public in Sept. 2012, the feedback from local community was positive and encouraging. Following is an extract from the visitors book:

This facility is a very valuable one for Altrincham, Mr. & Mrs. L, Bowdon
Excellent addition to the desert of Altrincham, Mr. R, Altrincham
This is what Altrincham needs – a central arts events place & an energetic & nice people to run it, Mrs. L, Altrincham
Fantastic work and a brilliant use of an empty shop, thanks, Mr. N, Alderley Edge
Always looked for something like this, Ms. G, Bowdon
Fantastic idea, will call again, Mr. & Mrs. F, Sale
A must for the community, Mr S, Newhon- le-willows
Great opportunity to début young artists, Ms. E, Manchester

Steps to get it done:

• Create a flexible exhibition space with stands by purchasing stands from Panelock System 200 Range
• Purchase and Install Lighting specifically designed for exhibitions
• Install a telephone line and a wireless network
• Purchase laptop, with appropriate security and office software and laser jet print from Costco
• Purchase A Board to promote the events from Displaysense
• purchase Easel for External use from DisplaySense
• purchase 4 Floor Standing Studio Easels for the Exhibitions from Artist Discount
• purchase and wall mount two lockable clear acrylic boxes
• Purchase a 3 Seater sofa to encourage people sit, view and enjoy the artwork who are less able to stand
• Identify and meet the various community, arts organisations and Schools that will benefit from the Arts Centre
• Liaise with Heads of the various organisations on the events and exhibitions that can be run in the Arts Centre
• Create a schedule of events on a rolling 3 to 6 month basis
• identify and recruit volunteers to man the exhibition

The licence was not extended by the Council, owners of the building, as they wanted the building for a Town Team. Recognising the success of Art with a Heart, the Council is planning to implement a considerably smaller display area in the unit.
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Art with a Heart has been offered a new location by a local business on a 12 month rent free lease. Art with a Heart will moved into the unit early April. An empty unit of more than 15 months, the unit is a blank canvas requiring modifications to make it exhibition ready.

Following extracts from the Visitors Book illustrates why Art with a Heart is still needed in the Town

Exciting and needed, Mrs. D, Altrincham
Make it permanent, Mr. Y, Bowdon
Please continue with this programme for the Town, Great work, Mrs. P, Altrincham
Excellent, deserves to be a permanent feature, Mr. E, Timperley
Awesome! Keep it going, Mr. B, Flixton
Excellent. Keep it going we need it, Mr. F, Altrincham
Great for Altrincham. An excellent showcase, Mr. K, Sale