User:Ohwydna/Artlink: Centre for Community Art

Artlink: Centre for Community Arts usually referred to as Artlink, is an arts centre and registered charity working in Kingston Upon Hull. Its mission statement is "To enable equality of opportunities for all members of the community to have access to quality arts provision".

History
Established in 1982, Artlink was originally part of the national disability arts network Shape. However since 1992 Artlink has taken on a broader manifesto; defining themselves as an ‘arts access agency’, Artlink “aims to create greater access to the arts for all in traditionally excluded groups within society”.

When Artlink opened in 1982 it was Hull's only independent community arts organisation, and after 7 years of fundraising, planning and renovation Artlink moved to 87 Princes Avenue, Hull and opened the doors as Hulls first Centre for Community Arts, the official launch day took place on the 7th December 2007.

Achievements
In 1998 Artlink secured £76k to launch the HU6 Project, based on a review and consultation with the local community. The project was established originally as part of the North Hull HAT Project and continued for 7 ½ years, working across the North Hull, the Quadrant and Orchard Park Estates.

Artlink was awarded the Investors in People standard in 1999 following a process which involved consultation with the Board, staff, volunteers, artists and the local community. Artink has maintained this standard since and recently secured continuation in the 2009 review.

In 2000 Artlink secured over £300k to deliver the Have A Go! Project, based on the previous HU6 Project, this programme extended out to the HU9 Estate communities of Hull and establish the Cartwheels Training Course. Both Cartwheels and the HU9 Project have continued beyond the initial 3-year Lottery funding and are have successfully attracted support from other funders and continue today.

Sure Start was established in 2000 and Artlink was invited to be a partner with Hull’s first Sure Start in Northern Hull and employed a part time Arts Worker to work alongside other Sure Start staff and since this project finished in 2003.

Artlink was awarded the first Cityvision regeneration award for the Creative Industries/Community Sector in November 2000.

Artlink achieved the “Be Part of It” standard from Hull City Council’s Social Inclusion Unit in Spring 2001.

The Cartwheels Training Course was recognised with a regional awarded from the National Training Award’s in November 2003. This award was given as recognition for community engagement and the high standards achieved in its formative years.

More recently the Cartwheels Training Course was awarded OCN’s Approved Provider status and has completed the LSC’s mainstreaming audit.