Almost a year since it opened, The Arts Organisation (TAO) based at 21 Station Street, is expanding. Formerly known as Alltools, TAO is now increasing its physical space by inhabiting neighbouring buildings whilst developing the local art community. It has firmly established an exhibition space, artists' studios and a funky tea bar as well as holding varied creative events and is set to flourish with further facets.

Along from its orignial base TAO is adopting the ground floor of the Granby Hotel, forming a 'swap shop' - a place that promotes ecologically sound practices by encouraging recycling (offering a drop off service to businesses and city centre homes) and freely passing on materials that would otherwise end up in landfill. The nightclub nextdoor will be transformed into a resource centre, becoming a hub of information related to arts activity around the city. The resource centre will provide literature and internet access, and has scope to become a venue for workshops, events and performances. The former police station will provide studio and office spaces to practitioners and people working in the creative industries. Because of the ground floor access, there is also a suggestion of developing an art shop selling hand made goods and useful materials for creatives.

The Arts Organisation, which is not funded by any public body or grant making trust, relies on time contributed by volunteers. There are many ways in which you can get involved, starting by contacting TAO to discuss what the current focus is, and what your skills are, with people who are willing to get their hands dirty always welcome. One such volunteer, Liam Woodgates, developed the arts fayre from its humble beginnings to a fayre that ran weekly in the run up to Christmas with a variety of makers offering their wares for sale. Graduating in the summer of 2007, Liam recognised the potential of the fayre and started drumming up publicity and interest from makers. The fayre is organised in a way mindful of the demands and difficulties faced by makers. A flexible system, including a negligible fee to register as a seller, and a percentage of sales made, means makers do not have to worry about recouping substantial outlay for a stand. All the money raised from commission is pumped straight back into publicising the fayre. Another, immeasurable, benefit to the stand holders is the ability to book a stand at short notice, which compares very favourably with other art and craft fairs in the region.

So whether you are looking for a new studio space in a convenient city centre location, an opportunity to try and sell your handmade goods at minimal cost, an avid member of Nottingham's art audience looking for exhibitions and information about what's on locally, a keen shopper hoping to find a unique gift, or simply a business looking for somewhere to recycle those cardboard boxes and scrap paper, The Arts Organisation has something to offer. Look out for the completion of the new developments in 2008.

Click here for a gallery looking inside The Arts Organisation

Photos courtesy of Jon Rouston (c)

The Art Organisation

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