The Plough Arts Centre
For 45 years, The Plough Arts Centre has sought to bring the very best in live music, comedy, film, theatre and the visual arts to Torrington and across North Devon - this is what they are passionate about.
This year they have seen the highest audience figures in its 45 year history, and the centre has many exciting plans for the future.
But right now the Plough needs short term financial help to survive the next few months.
The Plough’s Director, Richard Wolfenden Brown, commented: “Despite a thriving arts and community programme, excellent customer feedback, and audiences for films and live events that have grown by 55% over the last five years, The Plough has experienced a recent dramatic rise in overheads coupled with a reduction in core funding, which has created the perfect storm in our delicate finances.”
Trustees of the charity met on the 29th January and voted to implement a range of measures in an attempt to stabilise the finances, including a reduction in opening times and staff hours. Additional urgent actions are planned to reduce costs further and to increase earned income, core funding and voluntary donations.
In a nutshell:
· The Plough Arts Centre has thrived for 45 years but is now threatened with closure.
· The Plough was hit by a dramatic rise in costs and funding reductions in 2019.
· A range of measures has already been implemented to try and stabilise finances.
· An appeal is being launched to raise urgent funds to ensure The Plough survives.
· The Plough delivers a diverse range of arts activities all across north Devon.
The centre has set up a "Power the Plough" crowdfunder campaign on their website which has already raised over £4000 from our friends and supporters.
If you are able to help in any way, here is where you can donate.
The Plough is also hoping to organise a variety of fundraising events with patrons and artists in the very near future; if you also think you can help please contact Richard or Julie (see below) as soon as possible. Watch out for a fundraising auction very soon; they are also looking for donations of 'high end' lots to raise funds.
If you have any comments, ideas, auction lots, raffle prizes etc and suggestions please do contact Julie (julie@theploughartscentre.org.uk) or Richard (richard@theploughartscentre.org.uk) as soon as possible.
Together, we can power the Plough...