There are just under 50,000 amateur arts and crafts groups across the country. Helping to provide these groups with information and support is Voluntary Arts England, the national development agency for arts participation. This is an organisation with a network of volunteers known collectively as Voluntary Arts Ambassadors.

Arts and crafts activities unlock potential, eradicate apathy and build strong, happy, independent and fulfilled communities.

Local people play a vital part in offering many thousands of opportunities to participate in the arts and crafts on a voluntary/amateur basis.

These include dance, drama, literature, music, visual arts, embroidery, pottery, lace making, applied arts, festivals and many other activities. Voluntary Arts England works to support arts and crafts groups that are governed or organised by ordinary people who are also participating in the activities for reasons such as self-improvement, social networking or leisure – but primarily not for payment. They also provide a vast range of free information resources aimed at helping these groups to thrive, including: step-by-step guides to setting up a group; over 125 free information sheets; regular newsletters; links to funding opportunities, and a free events listings service.

As the main Voluntary Arts England office is based in Newcastle upon Tyne, the local Voluntary Arts Ambassadors locate and distribute these resources to groups across the country. These volunteers are people from a wide range of backgrounds who use local knowledge to meet groups, pass on information such as leaflets, and give presentations about the organisation’s work.

Voluntary and amateur arts and crafts groups play a large role in celebrating and preserving local cultures, traditions, and heritage, helping to develop local identity, new traditions and involvement in new areas.

They also contribute to a positive public image of an area for both residents and outsiders. Paul Devlin, Information and Development Officer for Voluntary Arts England, said: “As we are all aware, residents who feel good about where they live are more likely to become involved in new community schemes.”

For an organisation that has only two permanent paid staff members, aiming to support a nationwide sector of 9.4 million people, the time and dedication given by the Voluntary Arts Ambassadors ensures that many arts and crafts groups that might normally have remained in isolation and in need of support are given access to practical advice and information.

To find out more about the work of Voluntary Arts England, its range of services, or to become a Voluntary Arts Ambassador yourself visit: www.vaengland.org.uk If you would like a Voluntary Arts Ambassador to visit your group, email Jasmine Ebede at: jasmine@vaengland.org.uk