The CGS (Contemporary Glass Society) is deeply disappointed to hear that it has not been selected as one of the Arts Council“s National Portfolio Organisations and therefore has lost all its funding …
The CGS (Contemporary Glass Society) is deeply disappointed to hear that it has not been selected as one of the Arts Council“s National Portfolio Organisations and therefore has lost all its funding from Arts Council England (ACE). Since its beginning in 1997, the CGS has grown from an organization of just 150 members to one with nearly 700. It provides vital services for the glass community, connecting and sustaining its members through its website, publication, mentoring programmes, exhibitions and conferences. It has gone for strength to strength, and this is in part due to the financial stability that being one of Arts Council England“s regularly funded organizations gave them. The CGS is the largest network of glassmakers in the UK, with a dynamic and involved membership and committed management team, so despite this setback they are in a strong position to face the future. There is no doubt, however, that cuts will mean painful change for CGS. Priority at the moment will be to maintain core services, while looking for other sources of funding, including Arts Council England“s Grants for the Arts, for which CGS is still eligible. The CGS is the UK“s most significant organization promoting Contemporary Glass making and makers to the world. It plays a crucial role in the safeguarding of ancient skills in contemporary arts, and it delivers incredible value for money with its resource and information rich website, its quarterly publication, professional development schemes and internationally important exhibitions and conferences.