Applecart Arts in East London shuts down after failing to meet its £100k fundraising goal
East London: It’s a real bummer to hear that Applecart Arts has had to close its doors. They were trying to raise £100,000 by Christmas but just couldn’t pull it off. They had some emergency rallies and even set up a Crowdfunder page, but it wasn’t enough.
They had support from Equity, the performing arts union, and were hoping Newham Council would step in with a one-off grant. But the council said they just couldn’t spare the cash due to budget issues. So, on December 30, they announced the sad news on their website.
Applecart was more than just a venue; it was a community hub where local talent could shine. They had renovated the Passmore Edwards Building during the pandemic, turning it into a vibrant space for performances and art. It was a real beacon of hope for many.
In their farewell message, they thanked everyone for their support and highlighted how much they had achieved together. They mentioned that even though they’re closing, the memories and connections made will stick around.
As of now, they raised nearly £10,000 from 185 donors, but it’s unclear what will happen to those funds. MyLondon is keeping an eye on the situation and has even launched a campaign to save other community venues at risk of closing.
Equity expressed their sadness over the closure, calling it a huge loss for the local creative scene. They’re committed to fighting for small venues across the UK, especially now when they need all the help they can get.
Applecart has been a part of the community since 2008, and it’s hard to see it go. They’ve contributed a lot to the local economy and provided a platform for many artists. It’s a tough situation, and hopefully, something can be done to support similar venues in the future.
