Art Shape

At Art Shape we aim to help adults in their personal and professional artistic development, particularly those facing barriers to participation. Everyone at Art Shape is on a mission to work with individuals, communities and organisations to combat exclusion from the arts, with a particular focus on working with adults facing barriers to participation. Art Shape is driving social change by informing policy, identifying gaps in arts provision and stimulating the development of new possibilities in the arts.

We are passionate about creativity and imagination, equality and access. And, committed to recognising each individual's value and worth, our approach to our arts work is built on mutual respect, warmth and integrity.

We create opportunities to help each person’s development, regardless of what point on their creative path they have reached. We encourage inclusive practice, allowing people to be involved in the arts on their own terms, understanding that people will choose very different ways to engage with or continue their artistic development.

Our vision is of a world where everyone can choose to engage with the arts as an equal.

Our work falls into three main areas:

• signposting and guidance

• personal and professional development

• action research

Art Shape is run from a small Gloucester-based office, with a handful of full- and part-time staff, and through our many practitioners, course leaders and volunteers countywide. Founded in 1993, Art Shape is today expanding its work both regionally and nationally. Art Shape is a registered charity and Company Limited by Guarantee.

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