A new business support network of arts, culture and heritage organisations and practitioners from across Somerset, today announced a call for all to join and unite forces and put Somerset back on the map as a great place for arts and culture.

The not-for-profit network, supported using private funding and donated services from several partners and businesses, will support the case for arts and culture investment from both private and public perspectives. It will be the voice of the people and regularly canvas the local population to help investment decisions and deliver a democratic evidence base to local councils and other public bodies.

Andrew Knutt, Founder and Chairman of Somerset Arts Business Cultural Alliance (SABCA) says:

“Our key aim is to make Somerset a vibrant place for arts, culture and heritage. To invite the nation and its people to experience this arts and culture, and for local individuals and communities to thrive at grass roots level, which in return uplifts economic growth, health and wellbeing. To achieve this, we aim to support organisations, groups and communities who deliver arts and culture”.

Made up of individuals and organisations working within communities, and businesses that provide arts and culture services, SABCA will enable the arts, heritage and culture sectors to support each other and to contribute in a structured way. Providing future cultural development of Somerset over the coming years and decades.

Within Somerset Arts Business & Cultural Alliance, individual strands represent the different disciplines of Dance, Film, Literature, Theatre, Music, Visual Arts, Community, Food & Craft, History & Heritage, Festivals, Traditional Arts and many more. From Taunton to Frome, Bridgwater to Yeovil all of Somerset are invited.

“Organisations, businesses, supporters and even consumers of arts, culture and heritage can all sign-up as members for free. We operate as a county wide organisation and encourage local groups in all towns to become group members of SABCA. For instance, the county town Taunton (Taunton ABCA) is a group member and works on Taunton Deane issues, needs, opportunities and challenges with the support of Somerset BACA. Why not start a group in your town” continues Andrew.

To sign-up or to get involved visit www.somersetculture.org.uk or find them on Facebook.