Unity Arts Trust (UAT) have been developing a vision that has two interconnecting functions - The outcomes of the successful life/career development of Artists, some of whom work in affordable studios, are to be directed back into the community for the benefit of the community.

UAT's ultimate vision is of a dynamic and thriving community of successful professional artists in Chichester, many of whom have been supported at the outset of their careers by Unity Arts Trust through the opportunity to rent affordable studio space and/or receive mentoring/training/advice for the purpose of life/career development and to enable them to be self-supporting.

As a by-product of this artist development, these artists will present exhibitions of art and craft, be part of open studios and other events enabling members of the public to engage with artists, visit artists’ studios and learn about their practices, and undertake demonstrations, workshops, classes, talks and other educational and community-based activities.

UNITY STUDIOS currently offers ten artists affordable studio space in St James Industrial Estate, Chichester. This is a pilot scheme leading towards a large studio space at Graylingwell in Chichester.

Chichester District Council supported UAT in a successful campaign to ensure that Artists’ Studios were included within the ‘Section 106’ planning document for the Graylingwell redevelopment in NE Chichester; the developer’s masterplan now includes provision for a large (1500 sq meter) studio building with space for approx thirty-five artists, and UAT hope that this will be able to include within it with print-making and 3D workshops, community education space, gallery and mural wall (see: http://www.chichestercdt.org.uk/community-facilities/the_artists_studios). In the lead up to this UAT has set itself the task of growing its vision in a relatively small but focused manner at UNITY STUDIOS to demonstrate that it is the right organisation to take this project forward, and in order to embed a workable blueprint for studio/gallery operations on the Graylingwell site.

View my website http://www.unityartstrust.org.uk/