Hard work behind the scenes of exhibition is recognised

Chairman Neil Lawson Baker said: “Since its inception in 1996, this competition and exhibition has existed by virtue of hard work on behalf of the voluntary organisers and generous support from a variety of trusts, patrons and friends.

“It has not been fortunate in receiving support from any council, but to date has broken even year-on-year and provided an ever-increasingly high-quality art exhibition for our lovely city to enjoy.

“Such has its success been that entrants from the entire UK are keen to participate and the reputation of both the competition and Chichester are the better for it. There are now ambassadors across the nation talking about our city as a ‘City of The Arts’ and visiting to enjoy our many cultural offerings which we promote year round.

“In order to continue at this level and continue to improve in a time of severe austerity, the trustees are requesting small sums of ground-level support from many, rather than large sums from few.

“Success at this level of fundraising may see us through this recession and supporters will enjoy helping the future developments and participating in other events.”

This year there are two key new initiatives.

“The 100 Club requests a small sum of money to support the charity on a weekly or monthly basis and offers a three-monthly draw when one of the 100 receives a cheque for £500. This scheme will not be launched until we have 100 names and clearance for the scheme has been approved by CDC which has recently been agreed upon.

“From this initiative the NOACC will raise £12,000 and give back £2,000 pa.”

The second scheme is Eat for Open Art which already has four large parties organised with 142 guests to date.

Each host will arrange a lunch/ supper/dinner/barbecue with their own guests who will be asked to support the charity.

“You can be inventive with your food as an art form! We ask you to talk about the National Open Art Competition and explain why we should all back it as a major part of marketing Chichester as ‘A City of The Arts’.

“We will provide you with printed Eat for Open Art invitations.

“You will be given an Eat for Open Art specially-labelled bottle of champagne with which to greet your guests. Bottles will also be available for purchase.

“We will give you last year’s brochure for each guest with an enclosed business plan so that more and more people can become involved and learn more about NOACC.

“We will give you a format for a letter about NOACC and why it should be supported to be sent with your invitation, should you choose to do so.

“At the end of dinner each guest will be asked to give their pledge to the value of at least what a dinner would have cost at a Michelin-starred restaurant.

“Each guest will then be encouraged to give their own Eat for Open Art dinner party.

“Our office in Hambrook will be available to provide help and information at all times. 01243 574 896 or email [email protected].”

The exhibition runs at the Minerva Theatre Gallery from October 30 to November 13 with a host of school visits; art walkabouts; open forum panel-led contemporary art discussions and evening receptions.