
The team, at Chapel Arts Studios (CAS), are delighted to be launching a four week public art project lead by our CAS associates, supported by TVAF and funded by Arts Council England. It is our hope that residents and visitors to Andover will be inspired to consider alternative ways of trading; questioning the value we place on time and the worth of what we need or want.
Last year, a number of artists based at CAS were involved in the Encounters Arts pop-up shop, and it was always our hope to build on the success, participation and interest the shop had generated in the town, in discovering how art can help us develop and understand more about ourselves and the place we live. It is inspiring to know that many of us do enjoy the opportunity to think more deeply about our lives. This year’s pop-up shop challenges our use of money and through different art activities and events, encourages us to look at alternatives to paying for services, products, ideas and experiences. All the art activities and events programmed during May and June are free of charge, and open to the whole community to come, share and enjoy what’s on offer, so that we can all question how we view the ‘cost’ of an object or skill, if money didn’t exist.

The Bureau of Exchange, located at 2b Union St, will be open Wednesday to Saturday 9am to 5.30pm. Each week the Bureau of Exchange will host a new resident artist who will transform the shop and bring Andover something new. Each project runs for 3-4 days and will include a range of free activities for all ages.
Special events hosted inside the Bureau of Exchange shop include an opportunity to create artwork made from broken and discarded toys ‘Broken Toys and Happy Hearts’, a ‘Swap Shop Extravaganza’, a ‘Food Waste Café’, and an inspiring exhibition of artwork produced by pupils from Icknield Special Needs School in Andover. Other events planned to coincide with the Bureau of Exchange activities include ‘Andover Loves Me Back’ walk, a performance of nocturnal memories ‘Night Vision’, and finally a ‘March for Optimism’ in the town centre, in association with local schools.
To find out more, come and visit the shop or click the link below for activities and event listings. We look forward to sharing views and creative ideas with you, without the need to spend a penny for your thoughts!