By JOSEPH TULIP jtulip@cngroup.co.uk

Last updated at 08:00, Wednesday, 13 March 2013

A FAST growing community arts project in Haltwhistle has received a £10,000 funding boost.

Local artist Jodeen Betton is one of a team of volunteers who helped paint the outbuildings at the Whistle Stop Art centre in Haltwhistle this week.

The town’s Whistle Art Stop will use the money to carry out refurbishment work at its studio, in a warehouse at the former Scarth’s Yard, just off Westgate.

The work, which will include re-wiring and wall insulation, will enhance the 60 sq m space, used by children and adults from across South Tyneside.

Coun. Ian Hutchinson, the Northumberland County Council representative for Haltwhistle, donated the funding out of his council member’s allowance.

He said: “The Whistle Arts Stop works closely with people in the community, including children and I think it is a project worth investing in.”

Artist Alison Raimes, who founded the social enterprise organisation in 2011, attended Monday’s meeting of Haltwhistle Town Council.

She said: “We have been able to create an amazing space out there.

“The amount of gallery space we have is really phenomenal and there is nothing like it outside of Newcastle.

“There is still work to be done but it really is a tremendous resource for art in Haltwhistle.”

Town councillors agreed to make a £250 donation to the Whistle Art Stop, which works closely with local schools, and also hosts local artists and exhibitions.

Chairing the meeting, Coun. Alan Sharp said backing from the town council would hopefully help the organisation with other funding applications.

The Whistle Art Stop recently received 150 litres of paint from national company, Dulux, which is set to jazz up the appearance of Scarth’s Yard.

It also works with Northumberland University and Newcastle’s Gallery North, and is set to have an artistic influence on this year’s Haltwhistle Walking Festival.

In January, the Whistle Art Stop was involved with an astronomy workshop, at Cawfields on Hadrian’s Wall, working alongside Northumberland National Park.

First published at 07:39, Wednesday, 13 March 2013
Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk