|
|
 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|
|
27a Access Artspace
|
![]() |
|
|
|
|
27A Access Artspace is a Disability Arts Centre which provides a wide range of visual and performing arts activities for people with learning disabilities, physical disabilties and mental health problems.
NEWS! 01/09/2008
We are currently have vacancies in our artist studios space, and have a new hireable exhibition space. Please visit us or get in contact with us if you are interested in either.
NEWS! 01/09/2008
27a are happy to announce the opening of our new drop in art session Jazzy Jewellery. Make earrings, bracelets, necklaces, brooches and rings in this fun class for beginners. MEMBERS: £4.00 NON-MEMBERS: £4.50
NEWS! 01/09/2008
We are currently seeking volunteers to help with a number of exciting projects in the development of the building. If you are interested in volunteering your time to us please visit our building or get in contact with our volunteer co-ordinator.
NEWS!
We've moved building. You can now find us at:
60 NORTHGATE STREET
LEICESTER
LE3 5BY
TEL: 07523 205 337
Look us up, pop in and have a look at all the fabulous new goings on at 27a! Become a member for as little as £3.60 a year to benefit from discounts on all workshops.
OPEN
MON - FRI 9:30am - 5:00pm
EXCLUDING BANK HOLIDAYS
|
|
|
 |
|
|
What is 27a?
|
|
|
27A Access Artspace Limited is a disability arts organisation based in Leicester working on disabled people’s terms. 27A works towards the involvement and empowerment of disabled people in all areas of the arts in Leicester and the surrounding area.
27A is a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity. It was originally established in 1983 as a Community programme, funded through the Manpower Services Commission. The project was also sponsored by East Midlands Shape and was their administrative base until 27A became independent in 1990. The government prior to 1990 abolished the Community Programme scheme, but 27A’s record of achievements has ensured that the organisation continued to receive revenue funding from 1999 until March 2005 together with the Arts Council.
In 2004 Arts Council England awarded 27a national flagship status for disability arts.
However towards the end of 2004 Leicester City Council announced widespread funding cuts, resulting in “disinvestment” from over 80 voluntary organisations (most of which are no longer in existence), including 27a Access Artspace.
Funding was withdrawn by Leicester City Council in March 2005. Arts Council England (ACE) recognised the value of 27a and continued to fund the organisation as a regularly funded organisation (RFO) until March 2006.
During this period both full-time staff members (and founder of 27a) experienced mental illness and left the organisation before March 2005. This left the organisation being run solely by a part-time administrator, resulting in services being reduced to 1 ½ days a week. The Board of Directors at that time consisted of just two people who were unable to devote sufficient time to the day-to-day running of the organisation.
In June 2005 the part time administrator left and two part time co-ordinators (14 hours each per week for 6 weeks) were appointed by the Board to oversee the day to day running and the “winding –up” of the organisation, during this time the founder of 27a tragically died.
With the support of the Arts Council and the Board of directors it was agreed that the part-time co-ordinators would Work with a consultant to establish the viability of the organisation and to write an organisational review. A crisis plan was implemented in order to secure future funds and to maintain the excellent service and reputation built up over a number of years.
Since June 2005 the organisation has increased it’s opening from 1 ½ days to five days a week. The creative programme has extended to include beginners film-making, beginners drama, jewellery making, drop-in arts and crafts sessions, Saturday sessions for children on the autistic spectrum (including summer activities for children with disabilities) and ceramics.
In June 2007 we were informed that our Landlady (who charged us a peppercorn rent) had sold the building we have been leasing for the last 25 years to a developer who has issued us an eviction notice. This has resulted in 27a having to find new premises within the city centre to continue our activities. Initially this caused much concern amongst the members, staff and trustees, (due to the financial implication of increased rent) but it is now felt that this will be beneficial to the organisation. Allowing us to expand and provide improved services to the disabled community in the region.
27A has also received funding from a range of different trusts and statutory funding bodies including: the Lloyds TSB Fund, National Lottery Arts 4 Everyone Fund, the Millennium Fund, Mencap City Foundation, the Abbey National Charitable Trust., LCVYS, People’s Millions, Grants for The Arts, Lloyds TSB Foundation for England & Wales.
COME TO US FOR:
Regular, informal workshops, led by professional artists, in a range artforms including:
Drama
Dance
Visual Art
Video
Photography
Creative writing
Music
Sculpture
Textiles
We also organise performances, exhibitions and one-off collaborative projects, where disability art can be showcased to the public.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
