Arts centre risks closure over short-term funding

An east London performing arts venue is at risk of closure due to a lack of short-term funding, its director has said.

Applecart Arts in East Ham needs to raise £15,000 within two weeks and a further £85,000 by Christmas to keep its doors open.

Based in the Passmore Edwards Building, a former Victorian library and registry office in the corner of Plashet Park, the centre is home to a theatre, art studios, and a community cafe.

It is believed to be the only professional small-scale performing arts venue in the the borough of Newham.

Peter Moreton, Applecart's artistic director, said the community risks losing a "vital lifeline" if the money can not be raised.

"We have new contracts and funding coming online in the new year, but we need support over the next three months to keep our doors open in the meantime, and to continue to provide space and support for artists who are planning to premiere their work at our venue."

He added it would be a "tragedy" to lose the centre which does not receive regular public funding.

Founded in 2008, Applecart gained charitable status in 2011 and moved to Plashet Park in 2022 after operating in various east London locations.

They have since renovated the old library and created a 50-seat theatre.

The venue is used by groups in the local community, including educational programmes for local schools and a partnership with the East London University.

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."

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