START in Salford Arts Project
Start is a unique city-wide arts project funded by Statutory Agencies, grants and public and private
sector donations. The project provides arts training and opportunities for people of all ages at risk of
social exclusion and mental ill health living in the Salford area. START has a studio art base and photographic darkroom facilities which provides members with the opportunity to work in a range of artistic disciplines alongside professional artists. START runs studio based workshops, outreach
projects and residencies, an educational and cultural programme, an exhibition programme and
regularly has guest artists and other arts/community groups using its facilities. Opportunities are
provided to work in a variety of different media from drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, mosaic, textiles and printmaking to photography, video, creative writing, drama and music. Members can
access these facilities and activities free of charge.

The philosophy behind the START concept is that through positive encouragement and support
members develop a sense of self-esteem, self-worth and self-confidence through the use of the
creative arts. Members acquire a range of arts skills which enables them to engage in genuine
work experience through, for example, group commissions and exhibiting their work.

START in Salford has embarked on a major new expansion (£2.5million) in the form of the
“START 2 Options” project which will see the development of a new Arts and workshop complex/
healthy living centre in a refurbished grade 2 listed former church. The complex is scheduled to
open in April 2004 and will provide arts studios and workshops over three floors, equipped with the
latest multi-media/photography, art, craft and ICT facilities. The new facility will offer a wider range
of services focusing on enabling members to move into main stream training and employment, or to establish social firms/co-ops and self employment in a supported environment, as well as offering a
range of complimentary services and therapies.

START has been recognised as both an innovative project and an example of best practice, complimenting both health and social care provision in the local area.

If you would like to know more about START, or would like to refer someone please telephone
(0161) 736 2675 or email at info@startinsalford.co.uk or visit the web site at
www.startinsalford.co.uk

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