A CHARITY has won a royal award after helping thousands of excluded artists to reach a national audience.

Outside In, based in Chichester, works with creators struggling to break into the mainstream art world due to social circumstances, health, or disability.

The group has helped more than 5,000 people show their work to a quarter of a million of its audience members – and it has now won the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

The award is equivalent to an MBE, and is the highest accolade a voluntary organisation can get.

Chairman of the charity Charles Rolls said: “It is wonderful that the ambassadors get this recognition for the invaluable way in which they are spreading the message about Outside In.

The Argus: Ambassadors Katya Solyanko and Tom Stimpson at a recent campaign eventAmbassadors Katya Solyanko and Tom Stimpson at a recent campaign event

“Their generosity in sharing their own stories to help others is truly inspiring.”

Outside In’s ambassadors help to train and develop artists while working to expand and build upon the network.

Representatives will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace next year after collecting the award from the Lord-Lieutenant of West Sussex, Susan Pyper, later this year.

“I would like to offer my warmest congratulations to Outside In, one of the five outstanding and diverse groups in the county that have been honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service,” she said.

“The work that they do to help others is remarkable, and the dedication of their volunteers and staff is truly humbling. They make a real difference to the lives of others.”

Founder and director Marc Steene said that the ambassadors are one of the aspects of his charity that make him the proudest.

The Argus: Chairman Charles Rolls and director Marc Steene speaking with artist Vicky Bowman. Photo: Phoebe WingroveChairman Charles Rolls and director Marc Steene speaking with artist Vicky Bowman. Photo: Phoebe Wingrove

“Those artists who want to help the charity in its work and give their time voluntarily, they represent the best of what we can achieve,” he said.

“A network of supportive artists, helping each other, sharing their work - their voices and helping us to find more artists in real need of our support.”

Outside In was founded in 2006, and has expanded nationally after opening a bursary for artists in the West Midlands.

It announced in 2020 that two artists would be awarded £500 each.