In early 2021 we were pleased to announce a new partnership with Merseyside Arts Foundation who, through their project work funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and Workers Educational Association. This projects outcome was to support aspiring and practicing creatives across two different demographics. Fund #1 supported those aged 16 - 24 and Fund #2 supporting those aged 18+ and currently not in employment, economically inactive (can be self-employed but not currently bringing in full time income) or not currently in education.

As part of the partnership we created ten spaces (5 on each fund) for Merseyside based visual artists to work with Convenience Gallery, offering supportive investment for future and critical development. This took shape in the form of one to one support sessions with the CG team and either £150 or £300 from a development fund paid direct to service providers for each successful applicant, depending on which fund was accessed.

This was a fantastic opportunity for us to understand the wide needs of visuals artists across the area and work as a support team to help with the development of personalised and specific plans. We want to see our support do real and measurable good across the local creative community thought this collaborative development fund.

Below you can read about the artists who benefitted from the fund and learn more about their practice.