Championing the Arts with Winchester’s MP Danny Chambers
Visit by MP Danny Chambers- we discussed the fragile existence of creative spaces like The Colour Factory.
We recently had the pleasure of welcoming our local MP, Danny Chambers, to my art studios at The Colour Factory. During his visit, I gave him a tour of our space, shared the story of our journey, and even persuaded him to pick up a paintbrush!
Afterward, we sat down for an important conversation about the future of the arts and the increasingly fragile existence of creative spaces like ours. Despite our passion and the strength of our community, we remain vulnerable, especially in today’s challenging political landscape.
Danny, now the Liberal Democrat spokesperson for mental health, clearly understands the vital connection between creativity, community, and wellbeing. He is keen to be a voice for us, the positive impact of creativity and the importance of protecting it; we intend to hold him to it!
While we don’t usually wade into political territory, protecting the arts isn’t a political stance, it’s a necessity. If we want to see real change, our voices must be heard, and our communities must stand together.
If you’re interested in learning more about how the UK can secure a thriving future for the creative industries, we highly recommend reading this powerful report:
Jenny Muncaster showing Danny how to get creative…
👉 Framing the Future: The Political Case for Strengthening the Visual Arts Ecosystem – published by CVAN and launched at the House of Commons. It lays out a clear, compelling case for why investment in the visual arts is essential, not just for artists, but for society as a whole.