Performing arts space 'desperately needed' in Chippenham

Rag and Bone Arts hope to turn the disused warehouse in Chippenham into a visual and performing arts space

A space dedicated to visual and performing arts in a Wiltshire town is desperately needed, an arts school founder says.

Rag and Bone Arts creative director, Laura Graham-May, said Chippenham was "constantly compromised" because of lack a facilities in the town.

The arts school has since launched a campaign to turn a disused warehouse into a 150-seat theatre.

Ms Graham-May said the space would be for people of all ages and abilities.

Located on Union Road, the new venue would also include weight-bearing high ceilings, allowing for circus acts to perform and practice there.

'Allow to expand'

Ms Graham-May said Rag and Bone Arts have been running visual and performing arts workshops in the town for 12 years.

"If you wanted to study performing arts in Chippenham, you'd have to go to Bath, Swindon, Trowbridge, or Salisbury," she said.

Ms Graham-May, a former performing arts college lecturer, said the plan would be for the venue to become a University Arts London accredited venue.

Local young people looking to gain qualifications in performing arts would be able to study there.

Fundraisers have set themselves a £100,000 target

She said if enough money is raised, the new space, which will be called Number 7 creative space, will also allow the arts school to move and expand from their current space in St Paul's church hall to the new site.

Ms Graham-May said the new space would "keep the cycle going" of performers and musicians in the area and would encourage young people to take up a career in the arts.

"We want to encourage low-income children to discover what they may be capable of," she said.

"Lots of people who train in performing arts have hidden disabilities like dyslexia or ADHD, and if that energy is not channelled into something creative then they may not find what they are capable of doing."

A crowdfunder was launched at a special event on Friday, with performances from local artists including Luke Gittins, who recently performed on stage with Ed Sheeran.

A short film was also screened, focusing on what they think is great about Chippenham and what they believe is missing.

The new space hopes to hold comedy, music and circus performances

Rob Elkins, from Artel 31 Architects, said the plans would hopefully inspire a new generation of creatives.

"Growing up on those street corners gives us all a real sense of both Chippenham's challenges but also its opportunities," he said.

"We wholeheartedly believe that Rag and Bone will build not only an arts venue but a community that will spread and inspire."

The crowdfunder will run for four weeks hopes to raise around £100,000.