Funding issues force popular arts centre to close

THE ACTING director of the Square Chapel art venue in Halifax says she is heartbroken after the trust that runs the arts centre went into administration.

Patrick Lannagan and Conrad Pearson, of Mazars LLP, have been appointed Joint Administrators of The Square Chapel Trust (“the Trust”), a registered charity, and its subsidiary Square Trading Ltd as of March 19 2020.

Square Chapel’s closure means the loss of jobs for its 50-strong team of staff as of March 31, unless another solution is found.

Linda Parker, acting director at Square Chapel, said: “Square Chapel is one of Calderdale’s most loved arts venues. We are all heartbroken that Square Chapel has closed after all the work that has gone into creating this wonderful asset for our town and for Calderdale.

“We have always been fragile, despite us looking extremely successful since our renovation.

“Arts and culture will always need subsidy, the funding landscape has changed, and the building is expensive to maintain.

“It feels very surreal right now, and I have no doubt that we will be united in our shock and sadness. However, we have many supporters who love Square Chapel and we will continue to do whatever is needed to get the best outcome for this special place.

“In the meantime, I will reflect to some of the best memories and experiences of my life that have taken place at Square Chapel.”

Jenny Lynn, who is the chairwoman of Square Chapel’s Board of Trustees said: “It is with great sadness that we have had to close after exploring all the options to achieve our long-term aim of becoming fully financially sustainable.”