Cheshire Artists Network

Cheshire Artists Network was established in 2003 as a result of a collaboration between P.A.C ( Professional Artists in Cheshire) and Artists @ Work ( Cheshire Open Studios scheme). C.A.N . is the new face of P.A.C which was set up in the mid-90's as a highly active network of professional visual artists living and working in Cheshire.

All members of C.A.N have a track record of quality practice in the visual arts and the majority have had a formal art training. Disciplines range from painting, printmaking, sculpture and ceramics to conceptual art, installations, photography, jewellery and textiles. Individual C.A.N members have exhibited on a national and international level, many teach in schools and colleges or offer private art tuition, community workshops and lectures. Others offer illustrative or photographic skills. Many will accept commissions or take on art residencies and are able to provide advice or input for art-linked projects.

Members do not share a stylistic ideology, but all are committed to the pursuit of excellence in the field of contemporary art.

C.A.N's aims are:

• To provide a database of professional artists living and working in Cheshire.
• To raise the profile of contemporary visual art in Cheshire.
• To promote Cheshire artists on a national and international level.
• To contribute to art in the community ( workshops, tuition, lectures, residencies, murals etc.)
• To make Cheshire artists easily accessible to the public and other interested parties via the C.A.N webpage
• To provide a strong support network for artists.
• To create opportunities for professional development.
• To establish a forum for artistic discussion and information exchange
• To forge links between artists across Cheshire facilitating the setting up of projects between individual members ( eg. joint exhibitions, shares stands at art fairs, shared workshops etc.)
• To explore links with other artist groups in the U.K. and abroad.

C.A.N is co-ordinated by a committee of twelve members with administrative support from Artists @ Work and is endorsed by Chester City Council's Arts Development. The C.A.N panel meets twice yearly to consider new applications for membership. Once selected members will be invited to at least two events a year which will combine a social and business agenda. These meetings may include guest speakers and slide talks by members and are intended to provide opportunities for sharing ideas and information. Members will receive quarterly bulletins to which all are invited to contribute news and information. All members will be included on the C.A.N webpage .There is an annual membership fee.

C.A.N has close links with the annual Open Studios scheme and many C.A.N members participate although this is not a pre-requisite of C.A.N membership.

For application forms please contact:

Emma Hodge , c/o Firbob & Peacock, 76, King Street, Knutsford, Cheshire. WA16 6ED. Tel.01565 621156

For further information please contact:

Adrian Sumner, Arts Development Officer, Chester City Council. Tel. 01244 402427.