Take Art started in 1987 as a rural touring scheme.  Now the organisation has grown to run a number of different service areas.  The Live service is a very well-established and successful rural touring scheme for Somerset with an exemplary track record.  It relies on the partnership between local volunteer promoters and Take Art - by working together, memorable social events are organised in rural areas where people live and meet. These events can help play a vital role in keeping villages alive and vibrant, strengthening communities and improving health and well-being.  The Take Art Live team have years of expertise to share with promoters. 

If you have been following the Take Art news over the last 12 months, since Autumn 2010, you will know that the Live scheme is constantly under threat from the unprecedented local authority cuts that are taking place across Somerset.  In early 2011, both Somerset County Council and Mendip District Council, cut 100% of its funding to Take Art and both Sedgemoor District Council and Artlife (West Somerset) made 50% cuts.  We are working hard to find alternative funding sources to help retain this vital service across the county. 

As a result, we do not yet know the exact 'shape' of the Live scheme in Somerset for this year.  We do know that from Sept 2012, it will be a slimmed down programme of work and we very much hope that fundraising approaches will mean that the scheme can expand again in the future.