Arts and crafts

Arts Service

The Arts Service co-ordinates and develops arts provision in the County. The Cultural Strategy informs the work for Herefordshire Council's Arts Service and can be found as an Adobe PDF document in the external link at the bottom of this page.

The Arts Service's work involves offering a diversity of arts experience to a range of people, working in partnership with a range of arts organisations. A particular focus for the Arts Service has been to support arts based businesses, referred to as creative industries. This has led to the establishment of the Creative Industries Programme which assists local companies develop their businesses, enter new markets and secure a long-term future through a training programme, opportunities to showcase, network and reach new markets and an online opportunities newsletter also form apart of the Creative Industries Program http://www.arteryonline.co.uk/

In locations throughout Herefordshire professionally produced public art can be seen, both within public buildings and outside in open spaces. Herefordshire Council has commissioned a number of art works and gives advice and support to other organisations and businesses interested in public art.

Funding Advice:

Cultural Services officers also offer advice on funding from various sources including the National Lottery, Arts Council, England (please see link below for website), and the Elmley Foundation. Herefordshire Council also offers a range of grants through the Delegated Grants and Programmes Team. For further information please Tel: 01432 260753 or E-mail: delegatedgrants@herefordshire.gov.uk

Current Initiatives:

• h.Art (Herefordshire Art Week), with artists open studios, gallery exhibitions, and special events in venues throughout the County. The dates for 2011 are: 10th - 18th September.
• Hereford Contemporary Craft Fair takes place each year at The Courtyard in Hereford. The dates for 2011 are: 11th, 12th & 13th November.
• Herefordshire Arts Markets, unique, affordable, original arts and crafts from 40+ local makers in the city centre throughout the year.
• Hereford Creative Industries, support for local artists.
• Herefordshire Media Network, a new group of media professionals meeting on a regular basis.
• Public Art, with contemporary, high quality artworks for temporary installation in Herefordshire with Meadow Arts.
• People Dancing, a three year dance program leading to a major event in 2012 with 2Faced Dance and Dancefest.
• Working with Art 360 Hereford Ltd to use empty shops for creative industries.
• Commissioning agreements, currently 10 arts organisations are supported through commissioning agreements.
• Maintain a comprehensive database of Herefordshire artists and craftspeople.
• Commission research into the views and opinions of the local community on arts provision including the use of The Amazing Arts Machine and The Big Phone, interactive, re-programmable data collection machines, soon available for hire.
• Contemporary craft stands and accessories available for hire, see resource box below to download hire form.

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Arts Development and Creative Industries

Over 600 crafts people live and work in Herefordshire, contributing £17.4 million to the local economy. As well as crafts people, there are hundreds of other practitioners working in creative industries in Herefordshire, covering literature, media, photography, music, visual art, performance, etc. Cultural Services has a database of creative industries, for information on how to access this visit Creative Herefordshire. This dedicated website, holds all the published information plus form downloads, online applications, links and an opportunity to sign up for regular updates.

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hr1 Project

hr1 is the biggest, brightest, boldest dance project ever to take place in Herefordshire.  Taking place as part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad and led by 2Faced Dance Company in partnership with Dancefest and Herefordshire Council, there are plenty of ways for you to get involved.  Whatever your age or wherever you live in Herefordshire, whether you're a complete beginner or a budding pro, there is something for everyone in hr1.  Check out our website for more details www.hr1.2faceddance.co.uk.

Contacts

Cultural Services Manager (01432) 260631
Principal Arts Officer (01432) 261818
Community Arts Officer (01432) 260182
Arts Development Officer (01432) 260614
Creative Industries Co-ordinator (01432) 383064

Or e-mail arts@herefordshire.gov.uk

Please note Cultural Services address is: Herefordshire Council, PO Box 4, Plough Lane, Hereford, HR4 0XH