What is HAPPEN?
HAPPEN was set up in 2005 by Arts Council England, in partnership with the five local authorities in Bedfordshire, to develop the market for artists working in other sectors. Initially a three-year programme, it has been extended for a further year until March 2009, in order to see through a number of projects.
Over the last two and a half years, HAPPEN has set up and delivered a number of projects exploring the use of the arts in delivering social and economic objectives. These range from engaging young people in Luton in tackling social issues, through enhancing green infrastructure, to supporting the revitalisation of Bedford town centre. It has also supported the career development of many of the county’s leading professional artists.
HAPPEN is hosted by BRCC, the leading charity working with communities across Bedfordshire and Luton.
Click here to visit their website.
Houghton Hall Park
Read more about how David Appleyard became involved with this project more...
Work Space Work
Martin Figura's exhibition completes its regional tour with a final showing at the Woodside Estate in Dunstable until 7th August 2008. more...
Nanotechnology
Thanks to a grant of over £25,000 from the Wellcome Trust, Julie Freeman is becoming artist in residence at the Nanotechnology Department at Cranfield University more...
Arts in Green Spaces
Our green spaces, whether urban parks or the countryside, are vital to our quality of life and sense of place. Artists are increasingly contributing to the distinctiveness of green spaces, and this has emerged as an important strand of HAPPEN’s work. Examples include:
Click here to read about HAPPEN’s Public Art Strategy for the Greensand Ridge Walk.
Click here to read about how Sheffield-based artist David Appleyard worked with the local community and developed a major public realm enhancement for Houghton Hall Park, in South Bedfordshire.
