Maidenhead and District Arts Council

The Maidenhead and District Arts Council (MAC) is a UK-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting amateur arts and cultural activities within the Maidenhead district. It is registered as a charity under number 277100.

History and Formation

Founded in 1977 by a group of local individuals who felt the arts were being neglected in Maidenhead, the Council was established on the principle that collaborative effort can achieve more than individual actions. Founding members included Jack Widgery, Michael Bowley, Martin Kempton, Heather Butters, Marjorie Lee, Sarah Waller, Philip Love, Len Reynolds, David Lunn, Josephine Wilding, and Rudi Sheldon.

One of the early main aims of MAC was to secure suitable premises in Maidenhead to establish an Arts Centre. This vision was eventually realized with the construction of the Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, funded in part by Lottery funds. The council continues to support groups staging events at Norden Farm, offering substantial discounts to member organizations in memory of early supporters and fundraisers.

Activities and Projects

Over the years, MAC has been involved in numerous projects that enrich the local cultural landscape. Notable completed initiatives include sculpture and poetry competitions, which have left permanent marks on the town such as the sculpture The Boy and Boat located on the High Street and the Tribute to the Thames stone plaque near Boulters Lock.

More recent activities include working with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) Arts Bursary awards, participation in local festivals such as the Arts Carnival, and the development of the organization’s online presence.

Mission and Goals

Maidenhead and District Arts Council’s mission is to foster a thriving amateur arts and cultural scene throughout the Maidenhead district. The organization fulfills this mission by representing, consulting, and advising a diverse network of affiliated local arts societies and supporting their activities through collaborative efforts.

Funding and Support

The council has received grants for specific projects, including those from the Louis Baylis Charitable Trust. Its continued work is supported by collaborations with various partner organizations and local authorities.

This summary reflects the council’s ongoing commitment to nurturing local artistic talent and enhancing cultural engagement in Maidenhead through sustained community and institutional partnership[1][2][3].