About us
The Arts Poole (TAP) is an a creative-led, not-for-profit, creative industries networking group dedicated to revitalizing the arts scene in Poole and the surrounding area. We hold monthly meetings and put on special events designed to allow those interested in any area of art or music to meet in a relaxed, friendly and creative atmosphere.
TAP is outward-looking and is constantly seeking to build links with other organizations with a creative focus and encourage those interested in the arts and wider creative industries in Poole to participate in its events. We look to support any creatives with ideas for projects and the enthusiasm to make them happen.
A different approach
Everyone must start somewhere and we encourage an atmosphere where creatives of all levels and those with an interest in the arts can mix easily. We also believe that everyone should strive to improve and we will champion those who make work of high quality. TAP is committed to helping local creatives of all ages raise their profile and develop their skills, and creating opportunities for them to perform/exhibit and generate income.
Like most arts organisations, The Arts Poole seeks funding from public funds to make projects happen. We believe that social enterprises like TAP often have the vision, enthusiasm, flexibility of approach and speed of movement to deliver projects more effectively than public bodies or quangos.
TAP also believes that creatives should not allow themselves to become trapped within the funding cycle that has diverted many artists away from commercial opportunities. We believe that artists in particular must engage with the public to widen participation and appreciation of the arts, thereby expanding the market for their work.
Revitalizing the arts in Poole
Poole is a creative place. It has a diverse population, a rich history and an inspirational location. To date, however, the independent arts scene has largely been existing underground. We wish to make this scene more visible and accessible, and work with the existing arts infrastructure to help to develop and promote high quality local art, help artists develop their careers, and improve communication of arts information for everybody's benefit.
The Arts Poole believes that art is key to the enjoyment of life and should be open to all. Despite modern development, Poole’s persona is rooted in its working port history. Most of its inhabitants value this tradition but also enjoy the unadulterated pleasures offered by coast and heaths surrounding Poole and the parks within it. We believe that the arts community in Poole must embrace and celebrate these values, making its work accessible and relevant to its natural constituency.
TAP believes that Poole is uniquely positioned to develop a thriving, vibrant arts scene of national significance, based not on elitism and superiority but on honesty and clarity, celebrating the value of “work", "environment" and "community".
