About UTEA
All about Under the Edge Arts
How we started
Under the Edge Arts started out in 2002 as a group of local people with an interest in the arts and a desire to provide a space for creative arts in Wotton-under-Edge. Working as a group of volunteers, a programme of activities and events was brought to life in the Chipping Hall (the old Blue Coat school hall).
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In 2004, Wotton Town Trust (landlords of the Hall) started a programme of work to upgrade the building thereby providing a kitchen area and toilets. Thanks to funding from Stroud District Council and other local organisations we were able to add an exhibition hanging system, blackout blinds and a lighting rig.
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In the autumn of 2005, we became a registered charity and company limited by guarantee, known as Wotton Arts Project.
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Thanks to additional funding we have also refurbished the back room of the Hall, now known as the U A Fanthorpe Room, to make it a multi-purpose space for storage, small classes and workshops, as well as a green room for visiting performers.
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Our Principles
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​Actively promote participation in and enjoyment of the arts for the people of Wotton and the surrounding area
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Provide opportunities for learning and personal development through the arts
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Provide equality of access for all
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Provide opportunities to promote and celebrate the work of local artists and crafts people
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Provide a local venue to bring arts activity to a wider audience.
Click here to access our governing document and policies.
Click here for Report and Unaudited Financial Statements Year ending 31 March 2023.
Accessibility
Under the Edge Arts is fully committed to being as inclusive as possible, offering entertainment, classes and volunteering opportunities for all.
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The Chipping Hall is a Grade II listed former school hall dating back to 1837, in the centre of Wotton-under-Edge. It is located at one side of a public car park, within a minute’s walk of the main shopping streets.
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The building is all on one level, with easy access from the car park. The toilets (one specifically disabled) have good access, and the main hall is perfect for wheelchair users. Anyone with particular access issues is very welcome to contact us directly with any specific needs or queries.
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We look forward to welcoming you to Under the Edge Arts!
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Take a look around with our Virtual Tour
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Bar
The UTEA Bar: Local stock, lovely volunteers and prices.
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Our bar is, of course, an integral part of the UTEA events experience and we encourage you to pop in for a drink and try out UTEA if you have never been before. Think of us as a bar with free music on certain evenings: Jazz and Blues Jams each taking place one Friday a month, Vinyl Night (no need to bring vinyl!) as well as other free events throughout the year.
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We have recently updated our stock here at the UTEA Bar, keen to source locally as much as possible. Offering plenty of local ciders from nearby orchards, ales from Wickwar Brewery, locally produced wine and G&Ts, as well as Prosecco, lager, a range of soft drinks and some light snacks, we have catered for all tastes. Prices are competitive and we now accept cards.
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The UTEA bar is run by friendly volunteers who will be happy to answer any questions or take suggestions from you.
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Come along and try us out. We look forward to seeing you.
Giving
Our income comes from a number of sources, including ticket sales and hall hire, donations, the membership scheme and grants. But we are having to work harder than ever to raise sufficient money to continue with our programme of events. There are lots of ways you can help us:
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Donations
We have a donations box in the Chipping Hall, so if you have really enjoyed an event there, why not give us your change. Or you can donate here.
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Gift Aid
If you are a UK taxpayer, you can Gift Aid your donation and make it worth an extra 25% at no extra cost to you.
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Easyfundraising.com
Here's a simple way to help us if you shop online. Sign up to Easyfundraising and you can raise FREE donations for Under the Edge Arts (Wotton Arts Project). Over 4,000 online shops and sites will donate to us when you use Easyfundraising to shop with them!
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Sponsorship
Think about sponsoring an event or performer in our programme. Your name would appear in all our publicity material, including the 5,000 leaflets distributed to households in Wotton and the surrounding villages.
Or you could sponsor a piece of equipment – please email info@utea.org.uk for our current wish-list!
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Legacies
We know this isn't something that everyone likes to think about, but leaving a gift to charity in your will is an amazing way for your generosity to last beyond your own lifetime. So please think about leaving a legacy to Wotton Arts Project, and help us continue our work well into the future.
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Membership
The income from the membership scheme goes directly towards our running costs, so you will be helping to safeguard the future of the Chipping Hall and of Under the Edge Arts.
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We are in the process of adding membership application to the website, but in the meantime if you would like more information please email info@utea.org.uk