Voluntary Arts Network
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Voluntary Arts Network (VAN) is the UK and Republic of Ireland development agency for voluntary arts and crafts participation. It recognises that these activities are a key part of our culture and as such they are absolutely vital to our health, social and economic development.
By providing information and training, VAN works with policy makers, funders and politicians to improve the environment for everyone participating in the voluntary arts and crafts. This includes over 300 national and regional umbrella bodies, and through them, their member groups of local voluntary arts practitioners.
VAN is registered in Scotland as Company No. 139147 and Charity No. SC 020345.
[edit] Definitions
VAN defines the voluntary arts as those arts and crafts that people undertake for self-improvement, social networking and leisure, but not primarily for payment. The range of art forms is wide and includes folk, dance, drama, literature, media, music, visual arts, crafts and applied arts, and festivals.
[edit] Structure
VAN has five departments. Voluntary Arts Link is based in Cardiff and works with umbrella bodies serving two or more constituent nations of the UK and Republic of Ireland. The other four teams are based and work in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
