Local arts organisation Span Arts announced the launch of an exciting new community arts project last week. Over £200,000 has been awarded by the BIG Lottery Fund for a three-year creative community project called 'The Cheerful Project'.

Using creativity and the arts as a way of helping rural communities thrive, Span Arts hopes to work hand-in-hand with local people to make the project a success and the arts available to all.

The project will be happening in three main locations – Maenclochog, Narberth and Clarbeston Road, and is aimed at connecting people of all ages who live in rural areas. The first six months of the project will see the team, Rowan, Sophie and Anna, visiting communities, recruiting volunteer teams and discovering what local residents want to happen.

They will then work with local people to put on an inspiring programme of workshops and events, bringing the arts directly to rurally isolated communities.

Span Arts is a charity based in Narberth, which aims to deliver a diverse and exciting range of performances and workshops, including theatre, music, dance and storytelling as well as the annual Narberth A Cappella Voice Festival. The charity was set up in 2001 and has a long history of delivering high-quality community arts projects on top of their dynamic programme of events.

The Cheerful Project will be offering a range of opportunities for local people of all ages including workshops to help you develop your creative talents and volunteering to help you gain valuable skills and experience locally.

Rowan Matthiessen, Cheerful Project manager, said: "I am extremely excited about getting to know local people and finding out how we can work together to create new and exciting opportunities in rural Pembrokeshire. If you are a budding artist, a local history enthusiast, a community gardener or simply someone who wants to get involved and meet new people in your area, we want to hear from you!"

Upcoming opportunities to have your say about the project and Span Arts in general include our Family Arts Coffee Morning (Monday, June 15, 11 am - 12 pm) and our Cheerful Project Launch and AGM (Wednesday, June 24, 6 - 9 pm), both in the Span Arts Building, Town Moor, Narberth.

If you would like to get involved in the project, either as a volunteer, participant or workshop facilitator; or if you would simply like to find out more or give your ideas, please get in touch by emailing [email protected]">[email protected] or calling Span Arts on 01834 869323 and asking to speak with someone from the Cheerful Project team.

Span Arts relies on funding and membership to continue its work in Pembrokeshire and the local areas. To find out more about Span Arts visit: http://www.span-arts.org.uk">www.span-arts.org.uk