Cheadle's Arts Groups explained

Yesterday at our drop in  session at the library we fielded some interesting questions about the different arts-related groups in Cheadle as it seems that there is some confusion.

In a nutshell, we are constituted as 'Cheadle Arts', formed to organise the Cheadle Arts Festival and related arts events. Previously the festival was run directly by Cheadle Arts Forum, but updated funding and grant procedures meant that we had to become a separate group. Our officers are members of Cheadle Arts Forum, so we work closely with the group and also with a completely different group, Creative Cheadle. Here's what we believe the other two groups are all about:

Cheadle Arts Forum works with Support Staffordshire on strategic matters relating to arts in Cheadle, including the application and distribution of grants and funding. It is also a network for local artists, meeting once a month at Bishop Rawle School. We would encourage local artists to come along and shape the future Cheadle's growing reputation as a creative town. Cheadle Arts Forum supports Cheadle getting its fair share of arts funding, so let's all cheer to that!

Creative Cheadle started life as a shout out to knitters and crocheters to make poppies to decorate the town. Dee Beardmore from Redeezine at Tudor House is very active on social media and she put out the word to her followers and friends and there was a huge community step forward. This group has since pulled off various 'yarn bombing' exercises and has done fantastic creative things along the High Street, including the amazing knitted Carnival Car. Creative Cheadle work closely with Team Cheadle to deliver the creative touches to town events such as Lights Night - did you see those elves? We are pleased to have Dee and Creative Cheadle's support with our High Street Gallery event and have her and her gang making the streets arty during June the festival.

I hope my perceptions of the different groups are nearly right, and I apologise in advance if I haven't represented them correctly - my main point is that we all work together in our different ways.