Voluntary Arts Network

The development agency for the voluntary arts Voluntary Arts Network and Voluntary Arts England aim to promote participation in the arts and crafts across the UK and Republic of Ireland.

VAN works with policy makers, funders and politicians to improve the environment for everyone participating in the arts, and we provide information and training to those who participate in the voluntary arts sector. This includes over 300 national and regional umbrella bodies, and through them, their member groups of local voluntary arts practitioners.

Their services include

• A quarterly newsletter, Update, providing information on opportunities, seminars, funding and news about members
• Briefing Sheets offering advice on issues relevant to the sector
• A comprehensive, up-to-date website
• Specialised arts management training and research into the organisational development needs of the sector
• Consultation Responses - we respond to government and relevant organisational initiatives

You may find their publications useful if you are not a voluntary organisation or even if you are not an arts organisation of any kind!  Their titles include ‘Health and Safety for Community Outdoor Events’, Monitoring and Evaluating your Arts Event – Why Bother? – A book of Ideas and Encouragement and an Organisational Development Work Pack.

• www.voluntaryarts.org
• www.vaengland.org.uk