AN ARTS project in Crewe has been given a National Lottery boost for an innovative new project.

KARTS, run by Katherine Eardley, is a visual/combined arts organisation set up to address the lack of provision in Crewe, particularly studio and exhibition space.

They were awarded a grant of £4,275 by the Lottery's Arts for Everyone Express plus £300 from the borough council community chest fund.

Using the money KARTS has set up a project to turn a disused office space in Crewe into a vibrant studio and exhibition centre.

The project is called Second Skin and will explore the ways people use fashion to communicate image and attitude.

"As an artist I have always been fascinated by the way fashion has influenced society, from all cultures," said Katherine.

"Second Skin is a reference to the clothing we wear, which shrouds the body. I will be using the source of fashion to explore and develop my work.

"We make a statement in the way we look, what we wear can influence how we are perceived.

"Referring to the way in which bodies are viewed and judged, either adorned or unadorned by clothing and the way in which fashion has influenced this."

Katherine will be resident throughout the project leading a group of local artists during September.

Their work will then be on display to the general public from 11am to 7pm, Tuesday to Saturday between October 6 and October 31.

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