A MALVERN-based arts charity now has its own home so it can expand and continue its community work all year round.
AMAKA Beautiful Child (ABC), the brainchild of singer-songwriter Ben Okafor, are now based at ‘The Space’, located in the heart of the town on Spring Lane South.
Up until now, the charity, which aims to encourage people across the world to find their own voice through the arts, had taken its work out to schools and community projects across the district, the UK and beyond.
But ABC founder Ben and the team wanted to have a base for the charity where all the work can be done throughout the year as well as continuing to take it on the road.
And now that dream has become a reality as ‘The Space’ offers ABC a venue for dance, music and theatre performances as well as a large rehearsal space, a meeting room and coffee break areas.
Alison Webster, chair of trustees at ABC, said: “We all need space. Space to think, space to talk, to share our views and thoughts with others and most of all, space to be creative.
“We don’t get enough of that in the non-stop bustle which life has become – and that especially includes our young people.
“We had been referring to the venue informally as ‘The Space’ but then it struck how appropriate it actually was.”
As well as engaging with groups across the district who need space for their arts-based work, ABC plans to run a programme of regular arts workshops, performances, open mike nights and story-telling events for all ages.
Ben has also installed his own professional recording studio at The Space which can not only be used by ABC, but musicians, bands and community groups in the area who do not have the opportunity to record their creative ideas.
ABC’s next event is Malvern Means the World on Saturday which celebrates the town’s diverse community.
Malvern Means the World starts at 6pm and finishes at 9pm and anybody interested in attending should email [email protected] or call 07919 456451.
For further information about ABC and its events, visit www.amaka.org, email [email protected] or call 01684 577166.
