OFFICIALS at Barney’s art centre have introduced a new, optional building levy on all tickets sold for the venue in an effort to fund repairs to the historic building.
The levy will add £1 to each ticket sold and money raised will be ring-fenced to ensure other donations made to the venue are not eaten up on building repairs and maintenance at The Witham.
Director Amy Hughes said: “The Witham thrives thanks to the support of our community. We offer a space in Barnard Castle for theatre, music, art, and social events, housed in a renovated Victorian music hall and a historic Georgian-style building. This rich history is at the heart of what makes The Witham such a unique venue. In 2024, we invested £24,727.11 in essential building repairs and maintenance to keep these spaces safe and welcoming for the future.
“While ticket sales help cover some of these costs, they don’t fully support the upkeep of these historic buildings. Many other venues do this, and it is incorporated in their ticket prices, but we have chosen to go down the optional route. We’re introducing an optional £1 building levy on all tickets to assist with this.
“We said we would be more transparent and open and that is what we are trying to do.”
She said the building levy will only be spent on maintenance and building repairs.
Ms Hughes added: “People think we make a huge amount of money on ticket prices, but we only get 20 per cent of every ticket that is sold and that has to cover running costs.
“We really want people to understand where the money they donate goes to at The Witham.
“The Witham’s commitment goes beyond just preserving buildings – we are dedicated to facilitating social change through creative, relevant, and potentially transformative cultural experiences. “We offer classes and workshops that promote lifelong learning, well-being, and inclusion, while also championing sustainability and self-sufficiency. Support through ticket purchases, donations, or visits helps us keep this community asset alive for everyone and we are so thankful for your support.”
