gafaboutus

Bringing the community
together through
participation in the arts

Greyladyes Arts Foundation (GAF) was founded to preserve the Grade II listed Greyladyes Chapel (formerly known as Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary) in Bursledon, Hampshire and convert it into an exciting contemporary arts centre to serve the local and wider community.
The project started in May 2004 when the community found out that the chapel was to be made redundant by the Catholic Church. A year was spent deciding on a plan of action and formulating the feasibility of an arts centre. In May 2005 GAF revealed it’s plans to the village. On that one day over £40,000 was pledged towards buying the building. The asking price was £90,000 so we still had some way to go. Since then we have raised the rest of the money and have now purchased the chapel. We have received two very generous donations of £6,000 each from Bursledon Parish Council and Eastleigh Borough Council. The rest of the money has been donated by our wonderful suppporters. We have also received fantastic free professional support from our accountants,
Fiander Tovell and from two solicitors firms, Coffin, Mew and Clover
for the conveyancy and Simmons and Simmons for the company and charity aspect.
We have had very positive feedback from several bodies who provide grants for projects such as this. As the building is both Grade II listed and in the conservation area of Old Bursledon it is considered an important building to save and there are public funds available. Of course we want to restore the building to the highest standard and due to the chapel’s status we will be legally obliged to.
Once the building has been restored and converted we will sustain the project through the income from classes and shop and cafe sales. We will also planning to fund the arts centre through grants and sponsorship.

Key Dates

May 2004 -
Chapel declared redundant and first meeting to discuss future.
Sept 2004 -
Meeting held in Chapel and arts centre suggested. Decision made to try to buy the chapel for the village.
Apr 2005 -
Negotiation of price with Catholic Church.
May 2005 -
First address of plans to the village.
July 2005 -
GAF becomes a company.
Nov 2005 -
GAF gains charitable status.
Apr 2006 -
GAF buys the Greyladyes Chapel.
First exhibition to launch the restoration project.

The Team

GAF has been lucky in having a range of skills and experience within the group. With a bit of determination and a lot of enthusiasm we have got this far.

GAF’s Objectives

• to restore and preserve the Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary, School Road, Old Bursledon, Southampton for the benefit of the public;
• to promote and advance the education and interest of the public in arts generally and, in particular, visual fine art;
• to ensure that the Chapel continues to be a valuable local amenity;
• to establish and maintain at the Chapel or at such other places an art gallery for the benefit of the public;
• to deliver a contemporary visual arts programme of regional and national significance;
• to put on exhibitions, commission new work and develop opportunities for artists and audiences using a wide variety of media;
• to widen access to the arts and visual culture and to include all sections of society by initiating and engaging in educational and community groups; and
• to promote and advance the
education and interest of the public in history and local heritage.