PLANS are on the drawing board for a new arts space in Leamington.
Leamington LAMP and Lighthaus Arts – both advocates for diversity and inclusion in the arts – have joined forces to look into what the local community want and need from a large makers’ hub.
The space is planned to be a base for local creatives, with affordable art studios, resources, equipment and exhibition space. It will be especially geared to help those who struggle to access an arts practice due to financial, social or health reasons.
The research will be conducted by Lighthaus Arts, a not-for-profit organisation formed by Maddie Webb and Cassie Leedham, who previously worked with Leamington Studio Artists to create the LSA Art Room gallery in central Leamington.
Maddie and Cassie said: “At Lighthaus Arts we are super passionate about broadening access to the arts. This research project will help us to ascertain what the community really requires from a large multi functional arts space and how we can support individuals who may struggle to access such a space.”
The research will give voice to the local creative community through consultation workshops. Lighthaus will also investigate similar community arts spaces around the country, discovering how they serve their own creative communities.
Leamington LAMP will act as mentors, offering their many years of experience in working with vulnerable adults and young people.
Director Timothy Ellis said: “Leamington LAMP is proud to be involved in this initiative. As a creative company based in Leamington we see a great opportunity here to support Lighthaus Arts, a local, energetic arts startup, particularly where the initiative seeks to gather and build knowledge towards enlarging the district’s arts and culture infrastructure. This project is in its research stage but has the potential to inform the launch of a new arts facility with obvious benefits for the local community.”
