Ilminster Arts Centre could get grant of up £1,500 to fund workshops

The Ilminster Arts Centre said the grant will be used to set up art and crafts workshops for children during the summer.

The centre is now inviting residents and Tesco shoppers to vote for them so they can deliver their project.

A spokesperson for the arts centre said: “We are delighted to share some exciting news with you—Ilminster Arts Centre has been selected as one of Tesco Community Fund's chosen charities.

“This opens up the possibility of receiving a grant of up to £1,500, which will be directed towards delivering a series of exciting and affordable art and craft workshops for children during the summer holidays.

“The incredible support of our community made this possible. Residents and Tesco shoppers in Ilminster can cast their votes in favour of Ilminster Arts Centre by simply dropping their blue tokens in the designated container at Tesco.

“We are immensely grateful for the support we have received so far, and your continued support will play a crucial role in making these art and craft workshops a reality, providing a platform for children to explore their creativity in a fun and inclusive environment.

“Stay tuned for more updates on our progress, and thank you for being a part of Ilminster Arts Centre's journey towards enriching our community through the arts.”

Ilminster Arts Centre was founded in 1995 by artist and illustrator Mary Atherton and her husband Jim.

The centre – now a well-established, thriving multi-arts venue – operates as a registered charity.

They are based in a former Unitarian chapel, built in 1718-19, which welcomed worshippers until 1989 and became known as The Meeting House.

Over its long lifetime, the building underwent several changes. Initially, it was a chapel with a small congregation.

It developed into a much larger town facility with several hundred worshippers and a separate Sunday school, which became a full junior school.

Each change involved major building extensions and improvements.