Ginger Moo is starting a new chapter, we are sad to be leaving our lovely home in County Mall in just over a week, having been here exactly two years. But we knew it wasn’t forever and this means we can forge ahead with new and exciting projects.

The past two years in our County Mall residence has been wonderful. We have met so many people and have gotten a real feel for the creative nature of Crawley. We know that art is important to everyone in their own way, it just depends on your definition of the word, as it means different things to different people. We have worked with community groups, schools, festivals and companies and want to carry on this exciting and what we believe to be necessary work. Artwork as an item to purchase could be considered a luxury to many, but making and creating are not. Our collective experience has taught us that once people find something creative that grips their imagination or certain talents the enthusiasm and positivity they experience is second to none.

As well as the participatory work, there is also a great need for artists to be able to share and sell their work. To be able to aid people in making a living from their talents is very important and also for the artists themselves to have an audience for their work and feedback is crucial for their development.

Both of these facets of our work will continue, but in a more nomadic way! Our community work will definitely continue especially with schools and local organisations and we aim to have a presence in the town and around approximately once a month; whether it be as a temporary exhibition, a networking evening, or an arty event. We are also finding places to host classes and workshops, so follow us on Facebook and/or Twitter to follow us on our merry way!

As well as continuing with Ginger Moo we are busy setting up a new organisation which will culminate in a Community Arts Centre for Crawley. The centre will draw together people working in the visual arts, music and other media, our plans include work spaces, gallery space and recording studios among other things. The project is called Ginger Moo Too, please visit our website, have a look at our plans, and have your say in the comments section, we’d love to have your support. Once we have completed the initial set up of our organisation you’ll be able to follow our progress on the site’s blog. www.gingermootoo.org

Last, but certainly not least, we have been so lucky over the last two years to have been championed and supported by so many people and we’d like to thank you all for your positivity and enthusiasm. We’re glad you’ve enjoyed and benefited from our hard work. We’re currently having a sale to say thanks to our customers and to help our artists and crafters make the most out of the gallery before we close to the public at 5:00pm on Sunday the 5th of June. So please come along if you can, write something encouraging in our comments book at the door and perhaps grab an arty bargain.