Several years ago the Andover Vision Board had identified the conversion of St Mary’s Chapel in St Mary’s Churchyard into a centre for visual arts and crafts as a priority project for the years 2006-2009. Ever since, Test Valley Arts Foundation has championed the idea of developing the redundant building into a dedicated arts studio and exhibition space for the benefit of individual artists and the wider community in Andover. Refurbishment of the building started in June 2009 and Chapel Arts is now complete. Michael Widén, Test Valley Arts Foundation development officer commented: “The transformation of this space which has not been in use for over 50 years is spectacular.”

Chapel Arts now open

Chapel Arts studios were formally opened on 20 November 2009. Test Valley Arts Foundation chairman Roy Perry said:“The launch of Andover ‘Chapel Arts’ really is a first class example of partnership working. Thanks to the co-operation and very generous financial support from Hampshire County Council, Test Valley Borough Council, Arts Council England South East, The Sainsbury Family Charitable Trusts, Hampshire Police Authority and local businesses Twinings and Test Way Housing, Andover will now have a fantastic new arts facility. There is a great deal for sport and outdoor recreation in Andover but not much to develop artistic talent. ‘Chapel Arts’ will help to plug this gap. Test Valley Arts Foundation is delighted the building work is completed, and we now look forward to seeing David Dixon, our lead artist, develop his outreach programme.”

This project was generously supported by: Arts Council England Hampshire County Council Test Valley Borough Council The Headley Trust Hampshire Police Authority Test Valley Arts Foundation R Twining and Co Ltd Test Way Housing Ltd