History

In the autumn of 2002 a group of local people came together to take forward the idea of establishing an arts centre in the Chipping Hall in Wotton-under-Edge.   A core of interested people formed a steering group (Wotton Arts Project) to develop the plans, and went on to develop a schedule of regular classes and events starting in the autumn of 2003.

In late 2004 Wotton Town Trust (landlords of the Chipping Hall) started a programme of work to upgrade the building.  A ‘pod’ was built into the hall, providing a tea station, lobby and toilets.  With some additional funding from Stroud District Council and The Gloucestershire Market Towns Regeneration Forum we were also able to improve the ceiling and lighting, and following a fresh coat of paint, we re-opened the hall in March 2005.  We also installed a special system for hanging art works that allows us to mount exhibitions of work quickly and professionally.

In the autumn of 2005 the project succeeded in becoming a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee, known as Wotton Arts Project.