Chapel Arts is designed to help aspiring artists develop their careers. Another aim is to give this historic building in the grounds of St Mary’s Church a new lease of life that can be fully enjoyed by local residents and used to expand their cultural experiences.

Test Valley Arts Foundation has championed the idea of providing a dedicated arts studio and exhibition space for the benefit of individual artists and the wider community in Andover. Refurbishment of the building is now complete and Michael Widén, Arts Foundation development officer commented: “The transformation of this space which has not been in use for 50 years is spectacular.”

‘Chapel Arts’ studios were formally opened on 20 November 2009. Test Valley Arts Foundation chairman Roy Perry said: “The launch of Andover ‘Chapel Arts’ really is a first class example of partnership working. Thanks to the co-operation and very generous financial support from Hampshire County Council, Test Valley Borough Council, Arts Council South East, The Sainsbury Family Charitable Trusts, Hampshire Police Authority and local businesses Twinings and Test Way Housing, Andover will now have a fantastic new arts facility. There is a great deal for sport and outdoor recreation in Andover but not much to develop artistic talent. ‘Chapel Arts’ will help to plug this gap. Test Valley Arts Foundation is delighted the building work is completed, and we now look forward to seeing David Dixon develop his outreach programme.”

(The images below are from the opening day of Chapel Arts Studios, 20th November 2009 )