Arts in The Peak is an artist led organisation which aims to promote all the arts and artists living and working in the Peak District. In an area of several local authorities and arts boards, it defines a geographical unit for arts policy and development. The unique nature of the Peak provides a particular focus in the role of the arts in rural regeneration, and the development of the arts through and with the tourist industry.

Initially founded to synchronise funding and arts activity across the Peak during the Year of the Artist in 1999, Arts in The Peak has continued to promote these interests in arranging rural arts conferences and workshops. In 2002 Arts in The Peak wrote a business plan and 2006 has seen it become an incorporated company with funding from the Arts Council and other agencies. In February 2006 we appointed a full time co-ordinator to implement our policies and programme.

Arts in the Peak aims to act on two levels -    
     
first, it will provide information, networking, training and advocacy for practitioners -
> members will receive a monthly newsletter giving information on work opportunitie and funding
> there will be at least six networking sessions for artists annually, giving the opportunity to meet other artists informally, hear presentations from and meet funders, have one-to-one surgeries, hear case-studies of other artists/projects, and present their own work
> AiP will provide training for artists in areas such as getting funding, working in schools, working in the community, project management, and selling/marketing your work
> advice and information will be available by telephone and email for specific enquiries
> artists will have the opportunity to promote and sell their work through the AiP website

second, Arts in the Peak will act as a catalytic agent in developing partnerships with statutory agencies and funders to ensure that the creative sector is placed centrally in strategies for the Peak District and the counties and districts within it -
> AiP will proactively develop and raise funding for opportunities for artists to participate in the wider cultural, social and economic development of the Peak District through initiatives like the Peak District Interpretation Project, Peak Experience, in public art commissioning
> AiP will develop exhibiting and selling opportunities through cultural tourism, festivals and a Peak District Biennial
> AiP will work with artists to develop their ideas and identify partners, resources and funding that will enable them to make them happen.

Currently membership is free to both individuals and organisations, and associate status is provided for individuals or organisations unable to take full membership. Please contact AiP if you would like to find out more.

David Gilbert | Arts in The Peak | The Flat, Town Hall | Bath Street | Bakewell DE45 1BX
T: 01629 810122
E: info@artsinthepeak.co.uk