STROUD is set to become Gloucestershire's centre for printmaking excellence with the launch of a new co-operative enterprise for artists, complete with workshops and gallery.
The Gloucestershire Printmaking Co-operative - the dream of local graduate artist and printmaker Sue Drennen - has just received £55,000 investment from the county's Rural Renaissance scheme.
"This money means we can now finally turn a dream into reality," said Sue.
"We already have 20 full-time members of the co-operative, artists not just from Stroud but from throughout the county, desperate for these facilities.
"Now we can fully kit out our new studios in Griffin Mill in Stroud and prepare to open as soon as possible."
The Gloucestershire Rural Renaissance scheme, managed by Gloucestershire First, is investing £7 million in projects across the county to boost the rural economy. The rest comes from public and private investors.
"One of our main aims is to educate," added Sue.
"People really don't know what an original print is. A lot of people think it's a copy but it's just as much an original piece of artwork as a drawing or a painting. It's just a different medium."
She came up with the idea when she realised that Gloucestershire had no independent facilities for printmaking - the nearest are in Bristol and Oxford.
This is the second 'good news' story for the arts in Stroud within a few weeks - in November, Stroud Valleys ArtSpace heard its own bid for more than £195,000 from Gloucestershire's Rural Renaissance Scheme had been approved.
The investment will help fund the second phase of a £1.5 million refurbishment plan.
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