About Artansa
Artansa is an artist-led Community Interest Company working across West Devon, North Cornwall and the Tamar Valley.
We bring independent artists together and create opportunities for original art to be seen, experienced and shared — through exhibitions, events, online profiles and collaborative activity.
Our purpose is simple: to give individual artists a stronger shared presence while making original art more accessible to the communities around us.
The artists
Artansa is made up of independent artists, each with their own practice, interests and direction.
Our artists work across painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, textiles, mixed media, artist books, individually made jewellery and other forms of contemporary practice.
There is no Artansa style. What connects us is a commitment to original work, thoughtful presentation and giving people the opportunity to encounter a broad range of art and ideas.
What we do
Artansa creates opportunities for artists to present original work to the public.
Our Art at… exhibitions bring different practices together in accessible local settings. Some exhibitions are open in approach; others use a theme or curatorial framework, providing artists with a starting point for new work and new ideas.
Alongside exhibitions, Artansa provides individual artist profiles, shared promotion, practical resources and opportunities to exchange knowledge and experience.
We also encourage Artansa artists to develop their own exhibitions and projects, sharing practical knowledge and resources where we can.
Subscribe here to
stay in touch
We won’t fill your inbox or pass your details to anyone who isn’t one of our artists — promise. You’ll only hear from us when we’re putting on an event, sharing the occasional (possibly annual!) newsletter, or have something meaningful to update.
how we work
Artansa is artist-led and largely volunteer-run.
Participation is flexible. Artists choose the exhibitions, projects and activities that are relevant to them, while everyone taking part shares responsibility for making those things work.
That might mean exhibiting, helping with an event, contributing ideas, sharing experience, mentoring another artist or taking responsibility for a particular task.
The aim is to achieve more collectively while allowing every artist to remain independent.
interested in joining?
Artansa is currently limited to a maximum of 30 artists, so new membership depends on space being available.
We welcome enquiries from independent artists within our area whose work is ready to be presented publicly. There is no formal audition. We start with a conversation and a look at your work, to make sure Artansa is a good fit for you — and that you are a good fit for Artansa.
Creating the work is only the starting point. By joining Artansa, you are also choosing to become part of a group of artists who work together to make exhibitions, events and other opportunities possible.
We are not a social club and we do not organise regular get-togethers for their own sake. But when we come together, we work as a group. That means contributing where you can, sharing responsibility and helping to make the things you take part in work well for everyone.
So before joining, the question is not only “What can Artansa do for me?” It is also “What can I bring to Artansa?”
That might be experience, ideas, practical help, time, specialist knowledge, enthusiasm or simply a willingness to take an active part when it matters.
Have a good look around the website, our artists and our events. If Artansa feels relevant to you — and you feel you have something to bring to it — complete the short form below and we will get in touch.
Apply to join
We ask for your website or social media handle so we can check you are an artist. We also need your post code, so we can check you are in the area.
Artansa directors
Artansa is a Community Interest Company. Its directors are responsible for the governance, compliance and day-to-day direction of the organisation, while Artansa itself remains artist-led and shaped by the people who take part.
Our current directors are:
Francesca Barson— Director
Jordan Eastwood— Director
Kevin Tharme — Director
Artansa’s directors serve on a voluntary basis.
Our formal governance documents, membership information and terms are available below.