An art exhibition was held at Cottenham Village College for twenty two years. Under the auspices of the Fen Edge Community Association the exhibition grew and flourished but some years ago it started to decline, fewer artists exhibited and it needed a new impetus to continue.
The Arts Development Manager for stART, South Cambs Arts Development Programme, based at Cottenham, agreed to support and guide the new-look exhibition to be known as art@the atrium.
In 2012 the Cambridge-based company, Rheebridge, kindly agreed to sponsor the exhibition in order to promote it more widely and to present the Rheebridge Awards to support and attract Cambridgeshire artists and those from further afield. Their ethical contribution encourages artists to spread their wings and also provides a stimulating experience for visitors to the exhibition.
The Young Artist Award was also introduced and this was supported by the Fen Edge Community Association who were proud to continue their association into the twenty-third year.
Surely this wide-ranging agreement between School, District Council, Business Organisation, Artists and Patrons provides the optimum opportunity to further the visual arts experience in Cambridgeshire. Sadly, the ADM post at Cottenham has fallen victim to the cuts but we hope that stART will continue to go forward.
Many thanks to all the above, and all the voluntary helpers, who are contributing to the success of this open art exhibition.