ArtMakers was founded in October 2021, by Phil Parker and Hillary Beecroft. This was made possible with the support of Innovate UK, following research undertaken by BCre8ive into the artists and makers community in northern Devon. For the origins of ArtMakers go to ORIGINS.

Within twelve months it had grown from an initial ten supporters to over 120 members of practising artists and makers. It has staged five virtual exhibitions. The first exhibitions of their kind in the UK for regional contemporary artist and makers. It also ran a series of masterclasses covering everything from ‘Funding’ to ‘Art,Health and Wellbeing’ from Ilfracombe to Holsworthy and Bideford to Credition.

In addition, ArtMakers supported workshops in screenprinting with Silk Crystal and woodblock printing with Merlyn Chesterman. The latter led on to two ArtmMkers’ members setting up a new gallery and framing business.

The ‘New Atlantic Wave’ is the brand name used by ArtMakers to identify the diverse range of creative talent working in northern Devon, where over 300 artists and makers work. The name combines the location along the Atlantic Coast with the surfing community which is a major part of this holiday region, and the new diversity found among this creative community.

ArtMakers has also played an active part in shaping the Northern Devon Cultural Strategy, and supporting the creation of new artists studios in the region.

Looking forward Artmakers aims to increase the sale of local artists and makers work through new diverse avenues from holiday cottage offers to pop-up exhibitions. It has also started work on export promotion with the support of the Department of International Trade.

For more on the New Atlantic Wave read either New Atlantic Wave or What’s New about the New Atlantic Wave

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