DONATIONS of as little as £5 a month are helping to keep Barnard Castle’s arts centre ticking over, town councillors were told.
Members of the partnerships committee heard that The Witham was continuing to address the serious funding problems it had faced since it underwent a major refurbishment in 2013.
Shelagh Avery, chairwoman of the trustees, told the committee that the centre’s fortunes had been turned around during a huge campaign, including a public appeal for cash which raised more than £40,000.
She added: “Optimistically, the accounts for 2020, despite the difficulties of the pandemic, will allow us to break even.
“We do get small but regular donations from residents.
“The £5 a month standing order scheme is very precious to us, especially when you know that is coming from someone for whom that might be a significant contribution from their own income.”
Ms Avery said the centre had also received grants from the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund, Durham County Council and the Arts Council to help it bounce back from the Covid-19 lockdown.
The venue has re-opened for live performances following the easing of restrictions.
Ms Avery said: “We will continue to take a very cautious approach as to how we manage our own activities and how we encourage our users to manage their own experience.
“All our staff will continue to wear masks when they are in direct contact with the public, we will encourage our visitors to do likewise.”
She said the future of The Witham was dependent on it offering “something for everyone” and this included a wide range of events from classical music and dance through to modern music and tribute bands.
Ms Avery said: “For the very first time, this Christmas, The Witham will have a panto.”
She revealed that an application had been made for a grant to offer a digital experience which would be called The Witham At home.
This would allow people to view performances online.
She said: “We do think there will continue to be people who will be nervous to come out and sit in an auditorium alongside 249 other people.”
