(Bob Skelly, Southwark Councillor)

60 people found their way to CoolTan Arts Independent Gallery for the charity’s AGM on 14 September. Amos Phillips, the chair of trustees chaired the meeting, supported by CoolTan Arts Chief Executive, Michelle Baharier. CoolTan Arts presented its Annual Report along with some changes to the Constitution which found approval after some clarification and approval.

Bob Skelly, Southwark Councillor and deputising for the Mayor this evening, highlighted that CoolTan Arts is one of the ‘most worthwhile organisations in the borough’, and deserved better resources because it ‘saves the borough money’ providing a unique service for the community and in particular adults experiencing mental distress.

Keilah Towers presented the financial report and highlighted the CoolTan Arts was a financially strong organisation dependent on grant funding.

As the evening progressed, the Deputy Mayor handed out certificates and presents to 42 key volunteers.

Local MP Simon Hughes joined CoolTan’s AGM and offered his help to find a new home for the growing organisation.

After the formal business of the AGM, CoolTan staff and volunteers had the opportunity to mention new projects and activities, and gave an insight into the work, both present and future, of CoolTan Arts.

Gin Atkins and Phil Ruthen introduced new volunteering and self-advocacy projects. Lucy Anderson-Johnson, alongside volunteer walk leaders Cynthia Bernheim and Ari Henry, spoke about the Largactyl Shuffle project and encouraged attendees to sign up to CoolTan Arts Sponsored Walk on 10^th October. Kathrin Kirrmann spoke about her work promoting CoolTan Arts and the values underpinning the organising. Elizabeth Cochrane outlined her ideas for a CoolTan poetry and cookbook and all attendees were thrilled by the idea to see these projects taking shape. Sue Todd and Roisin McMahon spoke about their journeys through CoolTan Arts and how the organisation has helped them in their personal and professional lives.

Finally, Sasha Dee, Peter Cox, William Ball, Maggie Sullivan and Phil Ruthen read some poetry and by that time, everyone was looking forward to the healthy food provided by CoolTan Arts.

A successful AGM in the friendly atmosphere CoolTan is so famous for, and as Phil Ruthen said, ‘an AGM where more people arrived than left’.

CoolTan Arts is looking forward to the future and it only becomes obvious this organisation needs to find a new bigger building soon to continue running its work in the local community, take on new projects and support even more people.

Additional Information

CoolTan Arts believes that mental well being is enhanced by the power of creativity and exists to inspire the well-being and creative participation of a diverse range of people through the production of quality art. It is run by and for those with mental distress.

CoolTan Arts runs a Sponsored Walk to celebrate World Mental Health Day and raise money for CoolTan on 10^th Oct. More details on www.cooltanarts.org.uk or sponsor us on http://www.justgiving.com/cooltanartsteam/

Photographer: Alessandra Botticella, botticelliphoto@hotmail.com

Further information is available from: Kathrin Kirrmann, Communications Officer, CoolTan Arts 020 7701 2696 kathrin@cooltanarts.org.uk www.cooltanarts.org.uk

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