Somerset Art Works (SAW) is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. In 1994, a group of Somerset artists initiated a series of open studio events to promote their work to the public. From these early events, Somerset Art Works (SAW) was formally constituted in 2000 to explore ways to develop the visual arts in the county for the benefit of all. We became an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation in 2018.
Somerset Art Works (SAW) exists
To advance education for the public benefit in Somerset in the fields of visual arts including collaborations with other art forms in particular but not limited to;
a) placement and bursary opportunities for emerging artists
b) running educational workshops and participatory events to involve new audiences;
c) other such activities as the trustees see fit from time to time in furtherance of the stated objects”
As a Somerset based agency dedicated to developing the visual arts.
We want Somerset to be a place where people expect to engage with excellent visual art that is surprising and distinctive. To create an atmosphere of adventure and experimentation that inspires artists to produce and present new work and for audiences to experience it firsthand.
To give visual artists opportunities for innovation and excellence within a
supportive and stimulating environment.
To provide a platform to encourage people to engage with a diverse range
of arts practices and to provide opportunity for artists to experiment and
collaborate.
To increase public awareness and involvement with visual artists and
makers working in Somerset, to enhance the artistic, cultural and
economic benefits for artists and communities.
To play a significant part in developing the visuals arts educational and
community role in Somerset.
To play a part in local, regional and national policy forums
particularly concerning visual arts and events in a rural context..
We initiate a wide range of projects in a variety of settings, working in partnership with other arts and non-arts organisations, supporting the artists who enrich our lives and always integrating artists’ professional development.
We work to increase public engagement, weaving together communities and raising the profile of the vibrant contemporary visual, digital and applied arts scene in Somerset .
We deliver educational workshops, exhibitions and participatory events, annual Art Weeks Festival and Open Studios to involve audiences with the visual arts in Somerset.
We deliver projects with non-art sector partners that are important to enable artists to contribute to the quality of life and environment in Somerset. Partners include the National Trust, SWHT and r.s.p.b