A family-run arts organisation in Chatham is set to refurbish its venue and is calling on the public for their help. Sun Pier House, located on Medway Street opposite B&M, has shared plans to give its three-storey venue a makeover. Work will involve the long-awaited installation of a lift and the creation of eight new creative workspaces, including two accessible, multi-purpose workshops. The project will also see signage and entrances across the venue improved and environmentally-friendly measures put in place, such as new windows. While the small, not-for-profit organisation secured a £630,000 capital grant from Arts Council England (ACE) towards the project, it still has funds to raise - £75,000 to be exact. A fundraising campaign has now been launched to fulfil the ambition of transforming Sun Pier House into an "inclusive, accessible and exciting arts space." Local residents and organisations are being encouraged to chip in with donations, big or small, through events such as quiz nights and raffles over the next year. The organisation is also running a 'buy a brick' campaign, through which a £25 donation can buy a physical brick and a name of thanks on the wall of the new entrance lobby. It's hoped that the building work will be completed by February 2024. Medway residents Heather Burgess and Edward Gransden founded Sun Pier House in 2012, taking over a former HSBC bank and offices next to Sun Pier.
The 1980s building has since been transformed by the pair, creating 26 artist studios, an exhibition gallery, a community hire space and a café overlooking the River Medway. Alongside its venue, the arts organisation also runs several events and festivals in the town, including the Festival of Chatham Reach, Heritage Open Days and a monthly arts market. A statement from Sun Pier House’s website reads: "Sun Pier House is a collaborative and innovative arts organisation, but for the last 10 years we've been working with one arm tied behind our backs. "With accessible and inclusive spaces, we will reach more people, make better programmes, and thrive. "We named this project L!FT OFF because we feel the 10 years we've been operating so far have been a testbed for the organisation we'll become after this capital investment." Find out more about ways to donate towards the revamp by clicking here.
Shaun wheeler
16/6/2023 19:13:37
How can this be supported with public money when the property is owned by sun pier families. About time this was taken into account and no more public money is wasted Comments are closed.
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