Tooting is set to become a hub for arts, crafts and locally-produced goods following the launch of the Tooting Arts Network.
The network brings together local artists, arts and performance groups and craftspeople. They plan to work with Tooting residents and businesses to ‘open up’ buildings and open spaces to the arts and help revitalise the town.
Initiatives so far have included Handmade in Tooting, which provides a platform for local producers of crafts and produce to sell their goods, and a new theatre club, the Tooting Arts Club.
The Brick Box, a community-based arts and performance company, has received money from the council’s Big Society Fund to enable it to apply for a permanent licence to put on events at Tooting Market. Brick Box and the market owners are working with local people to find out what they want.
To create more space for artists, local developers are being encouraged to include artists’ studios in new schemes.
The Tooting Arts Network was started by the town centre manager as part of the council’s Tooting Together initiative. Tooting Together, now in its third year, has turned its attention towards revitalising the town’s shops. As well as encouraging more unique shops selling local crafts and produce, it is working with existing shops to improve the goods on offer, and is attracting new major stores.
Find out about the Tooting Arts Network latest activities on our Facebook page.
