PLANS have been drawn up to provide a disability arts hub in Altrincham - but the scheme needs the support of the town's residents.

 

A4 STUDIOS is an Altrincham-based venture aimed at providing the first fully inclusive disabled friendly studios in the North West.

 

This new creative hub is aimed at supporting artists who are disabled and on low incomes but the project needs backing from the community.

 

A4 STUDIOS is looking to raise £21,000 to transform a disused warehouse on Grosvenor Road into a thriving hive of cultural activity.

 

The building is well suited to the project, with ground floor access, good transport links and it is only a few minutes away from Altrincham town centre.

 

Rebecca Wild, director and curator of the project, said: "There have been too many studio closures across the North West in the past few months with many artists left with no-where to go. We want to provide an alternative to aid those struggling artists, through affordable spaces to help those on low incomes."

 

The lack of affordable studios is coupled with the problem that many studios are also unsuitable.

 

Managing director, John Lockwood, said, "As a disabled artist, I have struggled to find any ground floor studios in the area and know many artists who have had the same experience.

 

"It is isolating, so, because of this, we started this venture to provide the perfect space inclusive to all."

 

The project aims to create 21 wheelchair friendly studios, fully equipped for each artists needs. In addition to the studios, the facility will also be home to a new contemporary art gallery and workshop space, hosting multiple activities and events for the community each month.

 

The project will include a soundproof rehearsal space and a well equipped machine shop which can be rented by the hour for non-residents, but will be free to use by residents of the studios.

 

To bring this project to life, A4 STUDIOS is asking the community to help by pledging to their _JustGiving_ Campaign at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/A4-Studios.

 

This is the first of many fundraising initiatives, with future ones including a 'Steampunk Extravaganza' at the end of May and a charity jumble sale over the next few months.

 

For further information go to www.a4studios.co.uk or email info@a4studios.co.uk for more details.