An independent arts centre in Newham is at risk of shutting due to a lack of short-term funding. Applecart Arts needs to find £15,000 by this Thursday (October 31) and a further £85,000 by Christmas to keep the doors of its Plashet Park home open.
First launched in 2008, the charity took over the former Passmore Edwards Library in 2022. The heritage building now houses a 50-seat theatre, exhibition space, artist studios and café.
Peter Moreton, Applecart’s artistic director, said: “Applecart is a vital lifeline for local people who are often engaging in cultural activities for the first time.
“It also provides real opportunities and professional pathways for emerging visual and performing artists who are pioneering new work in an increasingly challenging environment.”
The centre has secured contracts and funding for 2025 but is now calling on the East London community for support over the next three months. A fundraiser launched in response to the shortfall has so far raised £6,000.
Peter added: “To lose such an amazing public resource would be a tragedy but we still have hope that we can navigate through this current crisis and continue to support charities, schools, and community groups throughout the cultural, educational and wellbeing sectors.”
Since moving to East Ham, the centre has supported 105 theatre companies, delivered six festivals, and reached audiences of over 18,000 people. They receive no public funding or support towards their operational costs.
Sir Stephen Timms, the Labour MP for East Ham who uses the centre for constituency surgeries, said: “Applecart is doing a wonderful job in our diverse community from its arts centre in Plashet Park.
“It has excellent long-term prospects from partnerships it is developing. I do hope it will secure the support it needs in the short term, to allow those prospects to be realised.”
If you would like to donate to Applecart Arts fundraiser, you can do so here.
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