Worthing�s most active arts groups are planning new studios for artists in the town � and they hope to have them open by the end of the summer.

The studios, based in a small block of garages in Heene Road, will house up to six artists, and would be jointly managed by local arts groups RAG and SusArt. �We did hope to have the studios running during the Art Trail, as part of the Worthing Arts Festival in July,� said Brenda Brooks from SusArt, �but although our plans have been held up, we still hope to give artists a home in Worthing this summer.�

Worthing Borough Council are currently considering an application for small changes to the existing building. �We are confident that this low-key development can only have a positive effect on the surrounding area,� said RAG spokesman Dan Thompson, �and that planners will look at examples, like the Tate in St Ives, to see how contemporary arts can play an important role in a local community.�

SusArt will have information about the studios at their next arts fair, which takes place at the Norfolk Centre, Arundel on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th June. RAG will also show the plans at the Worthing Fringe Together exhibition at Field Place, on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th July.

Worthing�s most active arts groups are planning new studios for artists in the town � and despite delays they hope to have them open by the end of the summer.

The studios, based in a small block of garages in Heene Road, would house up to six artists, and would be jointly managed by local arts groups RAG and SusArt. �We did hope to have the studios running during the Art Trail, in July,� said Brenda Brooks from SusArt, �but although our plans have been held up, we still hope to give artists a home in Worthing this summer.�

Over forty artists and four local groups have benefited from our digital camera this year ... thirty-three books have been taken out from our arts library ... our print browsers have had work by over twenty artists in them ... hundreds have used our wine glasses at private views ... so how can we help you? Email us now for further details of our ongoing support, through practical resources, for artists and community groups in Worthing and West Sussex.

Q - Who's helped the Sea Cadets, Graffiti Artists, Fire Fighters, Schools & Storytellers and Shopmobility in the last year?
A - The Worthing Community Partnership, through the Community Chest Fund.

Over the past year, the Worthing Community Partnership has supported local community groups through grants made from the Community Chest Fund. The fund has supported refurbishment of the Worthing Sea Cadets headquarters, a promotional campaign for Worthing Shopmobility, and improvements to Worthing Boys Club. There is now a befriending scheme for those with mental illness, as part of the Maybridge Mile project, and the Worthing and District Crossroads group are able to provide a better service thanks to a new care management software package.

With funds supporting everything from storytelling in schools to the installation of smoke alarms, the money has made a real difference �Eand to projects working actively in the local community.�Esaid Dan Thompson, whose RAG Graffiti project also received funding, for a series of workshops at the Rose Wilmot Centre.

And April sees the launch of the Community Chest Fund for 2003 �E4, with an aim of supporting more local groups making improvements to the community.

"A space to share ideas and find inspiration, further your professional development, be the first to hear about opportunities. and discuss your practice with fellow professional artists." First Wednesday of every month - check calendar for dates - 7pm The Acacia Guesthouse & Gallery 5-7 Warwick Gardens, Worthing.

and last Wednesday of every month - 7pm - at Park Barn, Horsham

Admission only �2.