Arts events and opportunities to enrich the local communities in Test Valley
Since 1991 TVAF have invested over £500,000 in the arts in Test Valley.
Latest:
Reflections on Madeline Edmonds, MBE
Awarded an MBE in 2011 for ‘Services to the Arts and the Community in
the Test Valley’, Madeline Edmonds had an over arching philosophy in life
to ‘get people to do things’. So it was indeed that Madeline sought to
broaden wider opportunities for local people to engage and to thrive within the Test Valley and beyond.
focused upon a well founded cause or campaign; noting such previous
accolades as establishing the Andover Crisis Centre and chairing the Witness Support Service at Winchester Crown Court.
balancing the scales of fair play and justice whilst serving as a Magistrate.
Moving to the village of King’s Somborne with her late husband Roger in
1996, Madeline’s inextinguishable desire, so as to improve access and
participation for all people to experience the arts and culture, was kindled
deep within her heart. Such passion for the arts shone through within her
local community of King’s Somborne, spearheading the Arts Exhibition Committee of its time.
formed Test Valley Arts Foundation), Madeline was the greatest mover
and shaker, by way of supporting a plethora of cultural development
schemes, projects and initiatives. Naming just a couple of these
initiatives, as to when Madeline became the lead to the ‘Leisure and
Cultural Local Strategic Partnership’ for Test Valley and therein also laying
the essential foundations for the rescue of a redundant chapel; which
today thrives as the Chapel Arts Studio, located within the grounds of St Mary’s Church, Andover.
Madeline continued as a Patron to the Test Valley Arts Foundation,
signifying that such has been her legacy for the arts and culture; her
touch upon so many lives will continue to run deep and far beyond. Thank
you Madeline, your kindness shines bright.
Previous News:
The Board of Test Valley Arts Foundation are delighted to receive the news that Test Valley Borough Council have decided to support us into the future. This means a great deal to all the Trustees as we can continue to exist and do our creative best for our wonderful Borough.
Yinnon Ezra, MBE, Chairman of TVAF said ” Given Test Valley Borough Council set up the Foundation 30 plus years ago and we have probably brought in over half a million pounds for Arts and Culture including setting up Chapel Arts Studios, the Borough’s support is a real vote of confidence in our work. Hopefully we can continue for another 30 years.”
In receiving these funds TVAF have now been able to draw down funds that HCC had awarded and received a further anonymous donation. This funding allows Test Valley Arts Foundation to have a presence this year at a number of key outdoor gatherings: The Romsey Show, Trout n About, The Museum of Army Flying Wheels and Wings, Eastleigh Mela and Halterworth School fete.
All these organisers are really keen to have us – and missed us last year – as we are able to bring with us storytellers and artists who engage with the many visitors, particularly children who would just otherwise run around very bored. There will also be a major “happening” in Andover in the summer which TVAF will be supporting
There are also plans to have artists in residence in Andover and Romsey Libraries, Andover Museum and King John’s House – all these venues had the benefit of such support in the past from TVAF and brought in many people who had NEVER visited these places often with young people.
The trustees of Test Valley Arts Foundation would very much like to thank Test Valley Borough Council for their support.
What we do
The Test Valley Arts Foundation (TVAF) is an independent charity which supports arts and culture in the communities across the Test Valley.
We provide educational services
We organise multiple art events
