APT- Artists Producing Together        

   Apt Creations

   is a unique charitable enterprise founded in  

   1998 as part of Camphill St. Albans, a 

   community building venture based on living and 

   working with people with learning disabilities and

   mental health problems. 

 

 From the very beginning of our community endeavours the idea of combined working and sharing of ideas has been very important to all those involved in Camphill St. Albans. The Apt concept emerged following a holiday in Sidmouth, Devon, during which a group of people were gathered together producing Christmas cards.

Apt Creations has grown into a thriving social enterprise based on a fusion of individual creativity and group projects. Currently it comprises a gallery and café at 39 Catherine Street, Apt Boutique at 41 Catherine Street, and studio workshops on Adelaide Street, St Albans.

The studio workshops are peaceful spaces where people can explore their own artistic creativity in partnership with others. People working there have the opportunity to learn and develop a range of skills and have the satisfaction of seeing items they produce sold in the shops.

Work opportunities in the shops enable people to meet and interact with the general public, learning valuable retail and social skills and with opportunities to train for NVQ qualifications.

As a further innovation, Café Apt opened in the Gallery in June 2009, providing additional work and training opportunities for residents to learn all the skills involved in serving customers from a fully organic menu including carefully selected coffees, teas and juices and a range of homemade sandwiches and cakes.