Crowdfunding bid to save arts hub
Centre staff launch campaign to plug finance gap
A popular Perthshire arts venue is appealing to residents to help secure its future.
Birnam Arts will launch a campaign on Thursday, September 17 to try and plug the gap created by the COVID-19 crisis.
The four-week project will include a crowdfunder after the centre admitted that it “cannot afford to keep the doors open”.
Kate Bell, the arts development officer at
Birnam Arts, said it was facing a “severe strain on cash flow and overall finances”.
COVID-19 restrictions have led to the cancellation of all major events and bookings.
But Kate insists the situation is “not all doom and gloom”, with centre staff “working very hard to secure the future of the beloved arts centre by ensuring we follow all available guidance and applying for funding we are eligible for”.
And speaking about the #SaveBirnamArts campaign, she added: “We hope to have
Residents in Perth and Kinross are being encouraged to sign up to the Scottish Government’s new‘Protect Scotland’ app.
The app uses Bluetooth to alert users if they have recently been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
It does not request or log any information about the identity of the user and can therefore be used entirely generated enough funds to keep the doors open and to help see us through the winter months.
“Until we are able to restore our buzzing arts programme, resume classes and workshops, host conferences and festivals, Birnam Arts cannot afford to keep the doors open.”
Kate went on: “It is a heartbreaking state to be in, but we are hopeful.
“We anticipate an encouraging turnout of community support and are extremely disappointed we
The message is clear at Birnam Arts can’t celebrate this and kick start the campaign with a party, as is customary with crowdfunding projects.
“It will be heavily featured on our website and social media platforms, there will be a special surprise celebration in the cafe over the weekend and a brand new video featuring some favourite local faces telling us why it is so crucial we save Birnam Arts.”
The community is asked to get involved by liking and resharing posts on Instagram and Facebook and keeping an eye out for exclusive competitions and donating at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/ SaveBirnamArts
People can also visit the Foyer Cafe, Potter’s Junction Shop and Exhibitions Programme on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 3pm.
The centre team are also collecting short selfie videos of people telling them on camera what Birnam Arts means to them.
Content should be sent to crowdfunder@birnamarts. com, alongside your social media links.
Birnam Arts cannot afford to keep the doors open. It is a heartbreaking state to be in