Smartworks, Stroud, Gloucestershire Smartworks is an arts and craft centre run by and for adults with learning disabilities (members), and has been running recreational courses such as music, crafts, gardening and painting since 1998. The centre runs under the umbrella of Art Shape, an organisation which has helped to secure funding for Smartworks, including the small grant from the ACLK Smartworks is based in the centre of Stroud, and has used the money from the ACLF to work with members to develop computer and business skills and to build artist development. It also aimed to create some sustainability for the future of Smart Works and its activities. The computer know-how course provides one- to-one training in computers over six sessions, and has been completed by six members so far, soon to be ten. The course has covered e-mail, making art on screen, t-shirt printing, posters and graphics. The 'goal setting', previously known as arts mentoring, encourages members to think of themselves as artists in their own right, rather than people with learning disabilities who 'do art'. Key to this is encouraging the significant people in members' lives to think in different ways, as well as the learners themselves. Five artists have been involved in the goal setting which is conducted on a one-to-one and group basis. The business course 'Moving into Social Enterprise' was completely funded by the ACLF. It focuses on project-based work to teach skills in running a business, for example, banking, reception work, producing organisational charts. The course has had a great impact on two of the original five learners, increasing their confidence, enabling them to take on more responsibility at Smartworks, and making them think about their aspirations. Particular success has been seen both among the individuals involved in the learning, but also in setting up new capacity-building schemes to raise money for Smartworks. One example of this work in practice is an organic vegetable box scheme which has resulted from a gardening course. A recent art auction for Afghanistan resulted in several members selling their work, with substantial amounts of money being raised as a result. It is hoped that students will increasingly be able to raise funds for Smartworks through the activities they do there. A small grant from the ACLF has had considerable impact with regard to 'paving the way to a social enterprise attitude' to help Smartworks survive as a voluntary organisation in the future.

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