Making art more accessible in Abergavenny: PAWB Arts CIC GAVO Success Story

PAWB Arts CIC was the vision of Hollie Withers, who wanted to bring engaging and immersive arts activities to the local community in Abergavenny through affordable art and design workshops - because art is for everybody.

After a successful first year, Hollie wanted to offer people more opportunities to get creative outside of formal classes.

How GAVO helped

Our community development officer Jo, supported Hollie to explore funding opportunities and put her in touch with the National Lottery’s Funding Officer. We encouraged her to apply for an Awards for All grant, which could help PAWB Arts extend its opening hours and create a Project Library.

The idea was to give people the opportunity to work on their own creative projects outside of formal classes, in a safe, welcoming and nurturing space.

The result

PAWB Arts was awarded the full £20,000, allowing the organisation to launch its new Project Library with 36 ready-made creative projects.

Projects include badge-making, calligraphy, collage and block-printing, with access costing just £3 an hour.

Materials and equipment, including pens, paints and other resources, are provided, making it easier for people to explore their creativity without the cost of buying everything themselves.

The difference it has made

The expanded facilities and activities have created new opportunities for collaboration and partnership working for PAWB Arts.

Most importantly, more people in Abergavenny can now access art and creativity in an affordable and welcoming environment - helping make art genuinely accessible to everyone.

GAVO support helped PAWB Arts turn an idea for expanding its offer into a £20,000 funded project that is opening up more creative opportunities for the local community.

Find out more about PAWB Arts and what's on: https://pawbarts.co.uk/home

Photo credit: PAWB Arts Facebook