A £3m arts centre has been given the go-ahead in Wakefield, and will provide inclusive art studio facilities including artists workshops, living accommodation and display space. The scheme has been drawn up by The Art House, an international community of visual artists with and without disabilities, which was established in 1994 due to the frustrations encountered by artist and sculptor Patricia Sutcliffe (pictured), who suffers from severe arthritis. Of 166 art studios in the UK, just four claim to have full disabled access.
The Art Houses leading facilities mean it will be able to host national and international artists, as well as providing a flexible and supportive workspace for visual artists in the region. The announcement of the scheme marks the fruition of 10 years of fundraising and lobbying by The Art House team.