WHO ARE WE?

Wash Arts is an independent community arts organisation. It was founded by the directors Susan Smith and Mick Brown. Our motivation for establishing the company came from our concern at the lack of creative and cultural experiences available to people in the Borough of Erewash, where we both live.

We have a strong belief in the power of The Arts to engage and empower participants and audiences. It is our ambition to harness this potential as a means of developing local pride and community cohesion, increasing
self-esteem and aspirations, building skills and enriching lives.

WHAT IS A COMMUNITY INTEREST COMPANY (CIC)?

Wash Arts was formally constituted as a CIC in February 2006. A CIC is a relatively new type of legal company structure which provides a regulated vehicle for independent organisations to operate on a “not-for-profit” basis, for the benefit of a defined “community”. Any surplus funds are reinvested in future community projects. We are also required to submit an annual Community Benefit Report to the CIC Regulator.

Our company registration number is: 5695590

WHO DO WE WORK WITH?

We work specifically with people in the borough of Erewash and surrounding areas. We give priority to those whose access to creative and cultural experiences and activities may be limited by their circumstances. Wash Arts consults and works in partnership with a range of statutory and voluntary agencies. This ensures that we are able to respond effectively to local needs and issues.

WHAT DO WE DO?

In broad terms we:

• Develop and manage a diverse range of participatory arts projects in partnership with local voluntary and statutory bodies such as schools, the Youth Offending Team and other agencies, the local authority and groups identified as at risk of social or economic exclusion. Our activities can take the form of workshops, defined projects, events, performances, commissions or exhibitions.

• Create opportunities for artists to work in the area and to develop and share their skills and creativity through working together with our local community.

• Consult the community both independently and through a range of local partners to ensure our projects have continuing relevance to the residents of Erewash.

• Work strategically at a local and regional level to raise the profile of participatory arts and culture in Erewash as a catalyst for social and economic regeneration.

HOW ARE WE FUNDED?

Wash Arts receives an element of core funding from Derbyshire County Council. We have also received funding for individual projects from a range of sources including the National Lottery through Arts Council England, Neighbourhood Renewal Fund, Derbyshire County Council, Local Network Fund for Children and Young People, Community Leadership Fund and Erewash Borough Council.

We have carried out commissioned work for agencies including Cotmanhay Neighbourhood Management and New Economics Foundation.

We have also received help from private supporters including Sustained Magic Theatre Co and The Rotary Club of Ilkeston as well as in-kind support including use of premises, loan of equipment and voluntary help etc.

We are grateful to these funders and supporters without whom our work would not be possible.

If you would like to contribute to our work through sponsorship, donation or in-kind support, please get in touch, we’d love to hear from you!