A new artists\' agency, Art Connections, is offering architects, designers and planners a public art service that includes creative and project management services and access to an expert network of suppliers - all from North Yorkshire.

Art Connections, based in Gargrave, North Yorkshire, are backed by the Small Business Service\'s Development Fund for Rural Renewal, set up to help areas recover from the loss of business brought about by foot & mouth disease two years ago.

Art Connections describe themselves as \'a creative business cluster\' with a range of specialist skills. They provide a team approach to public art commissions where appropriate and have the capacity and expertise to undertake large-scale commissions.

The group\'s work could be of interest to anyone wanting to commission public art as part of a new build, regeneration or landscape project and who is seeking artists and suppliers with a high level of technical expertise and extensive experience of commissioned work.

The artists within the cluster include sculptors, stone carvers, artist blacksmiths, a specialist steel fabricator, a mosaic artist, and an architectural glass artist. They are available for either joint or individual commissions.

Art Connections is a two year pilot project initiated and managed by Chrysalis Arts, an award-winning company that has been creating art in public spaces since 1987.

"The cluster will be of interest to commissioners who want to feel confident they are commissioning exceptional artwork to the highest specifications and receiving a professional service that delivers the work both efficiently and cost effectively," says Christine Keogh, Project Manager at Art Connections.

Chrysalis Arts are organising an Art and Market Towns Conference to be held in Whitby, 9-10 October, as part of the Art Connections project. The cost is £90 for public bodies, £60 for organisations and £30 for individuals.

For further information about Art Connections and the conference contact: