FARM FUNDRAISING INITIATIVE WINS AWARD

The fund raising initiative ‘Art in the Box’ which was launched last year in Northamptonshire in aid of the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) was presented with a prize at the charity’s Annual Awards in May. RABI was so impressed by Art in the Box that it has awarded the initiative with the Sam Taylor cup for the most innovative “off farm” charity event.

Sponsored by national property consultancy Carter Jonas, ‘Art in the Box’ was piloted in July 2011 at Pastures Farm, Grendon.  Redundant stables usually used for housing livestock were cleared out and temporarily converted into three miniature art galleries for one week. Featuring the work of 30 local artists, 20% commission for any picture that was sold during the week was donated to RABI. In all, thanks in part to a charity preview evening, the event generated £1200 for RABI.

Debbie Skinner who came up with the idea of Art in the Box was delighted to have her efforts recognised and praised the tremendous input from local artists Rae Flack and Charlotte Basson. She now hopes that other farmers up and down the country might be inspired to host their own Art in the Box as it would be wonderful if we could all work together and help bring local art into the countryside.  This year’s ‘Art in the Box’ will run from Saturday 30th June through Saturday 7th July inclusive, from 2- 6pm daily. Entrance is free although exhibition sheets are £1 each.  There will be a charity champagne preview on Friday 29th June and tickets are £10.

More information from Debbie Skinner on 07890 917 325 or see www.pasturesfarm.co.uk

For more details on the work of RABI, please visit www.rabi.org.uk or call the freephone confidential helpline on 0300 3037373

Art in the Box

Art in the Box

Art in the Box