A MAJOR fundraising drive is being launched by The Witham in Barnard Castle in an effort to finally put it on a firm financial footing amid warnings about arts funding drying up. The Witham wants residents and businesses to make donations so its long-term future can be secured.
The centre’s bosses say they want to put an end to the cycle of having to survive “hand to mouth” – as the venue has been doing since it reopened following a £3.2million revamp in 2013.
The hope is that by the time the building marks its 175th anniversary in 2021, it will be financially stable.
They are also pledging to rid The Witham of its reputation, among some people, as a venue for middle-class arts enthusiasts. Locals are being told to expect to see more mainstream events, such as music tribute gigs, being added to the programme.
Staff aim to find out what events residents want to see at The Witham, so the venue can be more profitable and reach more people.
The fundraising appeal will be launched next week and a webpage set up.
Shelagh Avery, The Witham’s interim director, said: “The Witham needs to operate differently to how it operated in the past. We need to get more people to experience The Witham and we need to attract major donors, investors and friends. We need to make it feel that there is something for everyone.
“When The Witham was opened in 1846, it was set up for medicinal support for the poor, education and entertainment for the people. For all that time, it’s been a flagship and the message is that it’s here for you.
“We need people through the door but we also need people to donate money, say £5 a month or much more, or even think about leaving money in their wills.”
Hazel Spencer, trustee in charge of fundraising, added: “We have had a dream of keeping this wonderful building in the high street as well as extending what we offer. Part of the local population think that we are perhaps highbrow and only for the middle classes. We have heard from some people that The Witham ‘isn’t for the like of us’.
“Our autumn programme has a wide range of events and activities but beyond that we want to find out more about what the community wants – whether that be tribute bands or opera.”
As well as the popular comedy club run by promoter Peter Dixon, the trustees say they are taking heed of the success of community-minded events held there in the past, such as talks by retired vet Neville Turner and screenings of dale-based documentary Addicted to Sheep. It is hoped similar nights will be held.
Last summer, The Witham warned it would need to manage its spending and people’s expectations after missing out on a major grant that would have made it sustainable until at least 2022. It was hoped the Arts Council would award £200,000 but this bid was rejected. However, other smaller funding grants have since been received to keep the doors open.
But Witham trustee and arts consultant Jill Cole said cash was hard to come by. She added: “It’s becoming more difficult to get these shrinking pots of money. At one time, 40 per cent of eligible arts bids were successful but it hit as low as ten per cent recently.
“The chances of getting money are slim and it’s almost impossible to live like that as an arts centre.”
The Witham is run by small number of staff and dedicated band of volunteers, she added.
“We are so important to the town and the high street. There are shops closing and The Witham needs to be here to bring people to the area,” she added. The venue could reach out further and bring art to more people, such as target schools, if money was in the bank, she said.
Ms Avery added: “If we bring in children who would otherwise not go to an arts centre, then they will bring their parents. We can change lives. But we need to be in a financially stable place to make a difference.”
The fundraising appeal will be launched at The Witham as staff reveal its autumn programme on Tuesday, August 7, between 6pm and 7pm. All are welcome.
