Funding heralds a 'new era' for cash strapped arts centre

A £30,000 Arts Council grant will signal the dawn of a new era at The Witham, according to the cash-strapped centre's chairman of trustees.

Bob Garton said the money would act as a “pump primer” funding a campaign to put the complex on a sounder financial footing. The award came from the Arts Council’s catalyst small grants programme and will be used to attract more private investment.

“We are living hand to mouth, which is always a challenge. The biggest job of trustees has been keeping things going,” said Mr Garton.

“Over a year, we have to find £100,000 on top of the normal day-to-day operation to balance the books.”

On the back of the grant, a campaign is to be launched in the coming months calling on individuals, groups and organisations to support The Witham with donations, sponsorship and patronage.

The Witham will also be relaunching its friends scheme.

Mr Garton said the idea was to be less reliant on grants and more in control of their own affairs. He said: “It is the dawning of a new era, where the focus is more on cash flow and getting longer term patrons, sponsors and an infrastructure that is less reliant on firefighting grant applications.

“We are reviewing all the roles here as part of understanding our costs. We are looking to consolidate and build on some of the good, experienced people we have got here – staff and volunteers.

“The board has been strengthened with expertise and we are always looking for people in a voluntary way

with specific skills – everything from web technology to doing a bit of gardening.”

The Witham’s Laura Shaw described the grant as a “massive stamp of approval” from the Arts Council.

“It is a validation of what we are doing and the confidence they have in us,” she said.

Mr Garton said despite the ongoing financial difficulties, there was much to be positive about at The Witham.

“We are very conscious of the fact that we have come a long way in three operating years – just look at the A-list comedy, folk etc. The programme has a ‘wow’ factor,” he said.

“We are part of an arts network and an integral part of the arts scene. We don’t see ourselves as just minor players.

“We have got the partnership with The Bowes Museum and The Hub and are strengthening ties with the castle.

“There is evidence that people will decide to come for the weekend because they have seen a gig is on.

“This grant comes at just the right time. It’s not exactly a relaunch, but we have gathered our thoughts.”

Arts Council England’s northern director Jane Tarr said: “Our catalyst funding will enable The Witham to develop its fundraising activity and encourage local private support to help the organisation plan for the future and continue bringing people to Barnard Castle.”