Kandu Arts gives empty shop unit in Chippenham a new lease of life - a Social Hub of Positivity

Thanks to Eagle One, the company that manages Emery Gate shopping Centre in Chippenham, the Community Organisation Kandu Arts, which has been operating for 22 years will very soon be opening their S.H.O.P - Social Hub of Positivity.

Eagle One kindly asked Kandu Arts if they could use the Unit as a community resource while it stood unoccupied.

Unit 3 in Emery Gate will be a constantly evolving multi-purpose community hub where art, music, crafts, film information and much ,much more will be shared.

A stroll through Emery Gate is already brightened by the beautiful window display of banners about Kandu’s work in engaging the community (especially young people, using mentoring and creativity) and fantastic seasonal trees created by Wiltshire Wood Recycling and additional decoration with items and materials from Wilshire Scrap Store.

Inside the shop – Made by Rosey T will be making and selling her recycled material clothing designs and Rian Whiteside will be T shirt printing and selling his work.

Artist in residence Alex Walker will be painting, live, alongside an exhibition of her work and art donated to Kandu’s Safe and Sounds Refugee project will be on display and exhibitions and artists will be ever changing. Watch out for the likes of Mary Qwamby, Rachel Melody and many more.

Beautiful locally produced craft items – cards, flowerpots etc will be on sale and delicious apple juice produced from Kandus own allotment fruit.

In the basement, Riverbank studios will be delivering music lessons and workshops and in the main area eventually when we are COVID free there will be opportunity to see films, music and participate in workshops – ranging from crafts to martial arts.

Local community services will have information points and other sustainable businesses and ventures will have some of their items available.

Why not pop down and have a look. For more information see Kandu Arts facebook page or call 01249 444009.