A fundraiser has been launched to help expand a five-day festival of art in Lancaster and bring it to the city streets.
Organisers of Lancaster Art Fair are looking for help to fund their free cultural event for all ages and abilities, scheduled to be held this August.
Lancaster Art Fair supports artists by providing paid work opportunities and a platform for them to show and sell their work in group exhibitions and makers markets.
The fair also provides free artist professional development talks and workshops; and fun, free creative activities and workshops to the public bringing communities together in a celebration of art and promoting mental well-being through creativity.
This year the organising team want to take the Art Fair to the streets of Lancaster by providing free city centre art workshops, pop up stalls and makers markets showcasing more of the city's artistic talent.
"We want to produce a vibrant, free event which can bring people together through art, showcasing the artistic talent the area has to offer whilst helping to demystify jobs in the arts and encouraging the local community to take part in creative activities," said a Lancaster Art Fair spokesperson.
"We hope through the event we can celebrate the arts in the area, encourage people to see beauty and foster connection with others, improving wellbeing by providing high quality free cultural activities that are available to all."
An exhibition is planned at the Storey Gallery over five days (August 19 to 23) including free creative workshops, activities, community art wall and professional development talks for artists.
There would also be a two-day event in the city centre on Friday and Saturday August 22 and 23, featuring a local arts organisations showcase in Market Square, Makers Market in St Nicholas Arcades and free creative workshops in Lancaster Library.
"We feel events such as this are especially needed this year with the announcements of the cancellations of Highest Point, Lancaster Music Festival and Vintage by the Sea," said the spokesperson.
"Global events are having significant impact on people's mental health and wellbeing and it is essential to provide spaces where people can engage with something positive and connect with others.
"The arts have been underfunded by the government and it is up to communities to work together to provide engaging, high quality arts events that are so important to peoples quality of life.
"We are currently crowdfunding to make the event happen and have had an amazing initial response.
"Thanks to everyone who has backed us! But there is still a lot of work to be done!
"If you would like to get involved and help us, check out our campaign at spacehive.com/lancasterartfair."
So far more than £3200 has been pledged at the online fundraising page, towards a target of £14,592.
Lancaster Art Fair CIC is a not-for-profit organisation run by a team of three freelance artists, Hannah Corbett, Lidia Ranns and Julie Evans.
Hannah, Lidia and Julie are all local to Lancaster, and are passionate about community art, inspiring creativity and improving access to the arts.
This year they are working hard collaborating with established local arts organisations to substantially grow the event and deliver the best experience for everyone to enjoy.
More info HERE.
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