Creative charity’s plea to raise cash
ACHARITY that helps people find wellbeing by allowing them to unleash their creativity could fold without some new fundraising blood.
Macclesfield Community ArtSpace, based at Heapy Street, offers a place for people to make their own projects or get involved with larger ones.
It was set up seven years ago and currently costs £900 per month to run while only bringing in £600 a month to cover these costs.
Reserves are set to run out by the end of the year so it is looking for people to join a fundraising committee to boost revenue and prevent it from closing.
Although the charity is open to anyone it has provided a valuable lifeline for people with disabilities or who are experiencing difficulties.
Volunteer Janet Clarke said: “We are there for anyone in the community and it is art in all forms and shapes.
“A lot of people find being creative is a positive thing for wellbeing. We have one or two people with mental health issues and someone who has been through the prison system and they have all achieved.
“It is very friendly and very informal, people who come think it is wonderful but a lot of people don’t know we exist.”
The hope is a fundraising committee can be formed with the necessary skills to provide fresh ideas to make up the shortfall between incomings and outgoings.
This could be with activities to raise money or knowledge of grants and funding applications.
Among the community events Macclesfield Community ArtSpace has been involved with are Chinese New Year celebrations and the Barnaby Parade.
Currently it has around 50 people a week coming through its doors.
Janet said: “It promotes wellbeing and is a great support to people, it can make an amazing difference.
“If the worst happened it would be greatly missed by a wide range of people.”
Members of Macclesfield Community ArtSpace will hold a Spooky Cafe event at Macclesfield Market Place on Saturday, October 26, to promote what it has to offer.
Anyone who can help can contact Janet on 07450 616221.