Young Heathfield artists urged to take advantage of grants

Help is at hand for budding young local artists who could benefit from grants to access courses.

A painting by a Heathfield Community College student

The Arts Society is a leading arts charity working to advance decorative and fine arts education and appreciation. It also promotes the preservation of artistic heritage by bringing together groups of like-minded individuals through regular talks, study days, visits, tours and a number of volunteering activities including Church Recording, Heritage Volunteering and Young Arts. The society is offering grants to access courses, exhibitions and speakers in different fields such as painting, jewellery making, sculpture, ceramics, architecture, fashion and textiles.

Victoria Joyce Chair of The Arts Society explains: “The Arts Society is a National and International Organisation that has as its remit to support and encourage the Arts in all its forms and the enjoyment of the Arts.  Within the larger brief it has a specific interest in promoting the Arts to young people to increase their enjoyment and participation in Art and Design.  This mission is implemented in different ways in different local societies but our local Heathfield, Wealden branch is particularly interested in assisting young people who may be considering a career in Art and Design.

“The only requirement is that the grant applicants are aged between 17 and 25 and commit to give the society some feedback and some photographs so that it can make sure that our money is well spent.  It is clear that a vibrant art community is valuable for our society in terms of the social and economic good.  Our artists and designers are valued the world over and we wish to improve the skills and widen the participation of our young people and get some recognition for our Heathfield Artists.  If anyone is interested in finding out what support we can give, please use our own website, send us a message and we will be in touch.”

The Arts Society has 90,000 members. Inspiring monthly talks cover a wide range of diverse topics including china, glass, architecture, paintings and music, all from recognised experts in their respective fields. We arrange visits to art galleries, museums and places of historic and artistic interest providing the opportunity to learn, have fun and make new and lasting friendships. The local group meets monthly every 2nd Tuesday at 2.15pm from September to June in the Community Hall, Sheepsetting Lane. For more information visit www.theartssocietywealden.org.uk or phone the Membership secretary 01435 873258