Last October, ARK re-opened its doors, creating a place where Cliftonville’s communities could come together for performances, workshops and celebrations. Since then, we have hosted over 20 performances, 3 festivals, a sell-out festive family show and numerous workshops, classes and sessions, welcoming over 3000 people to our beautiful building.

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We receive no regular grants from the government or other statutory sources. Instead, we rely on the generosity of individuals, funding from trusts and foundations, ticket sales and hire income to keep the doors open.

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So, this month we are taking part in the Big Give Arts for Impact campaign, aiming to raise £15,000 to support this work. 

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£7,500 has already been pledged in match funds, so your donation will be matched pound for pound, doubling its impact and enabling us to double the opportunities for local people.

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Here’s what we want to achieve:

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Regular weekly classes and sessions: We will bring Cliftonville’s communities together through Conversation Club, where asylum seekers and residents meet, talk, share food and build friendships; after school creative sessions for local children and young people; and a warm, supportive space for older people to relax, connect and try something new

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Affordable, ambitious performances close to home: We’ll grow our public programme of theatre, dance and music, showcasing exceptional work from Thanet, as well as from across the UK and beyond, so that local people can experience high-quality performances on their doorstep.

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More chances for Thanet artists to make and share new work: Building on the success of our Making More Waves festival, we’ll create more opportunities for local artists to develop their practice, test new ideas, access affordable rehearsal space, and connect with peers.

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A Refugee Week led by lived experience: We are planning a Thanet-wide festival curated by people with lived experience of forced migration—film, music, visual arts, performance and community events celebrating the contribution refugees make to our community.

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We welcome all donations - whether  £5 or £500, and to thank you for your support, all donors will be invited to a free event next month. We’re also introducing three campaign giving levels:

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• £50+: we’ll add your name to our website 

• £100+: you’ll be welcomed as a Founding Member

• £250+: you’ll be recognised as a Founding Supporter

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​The campaign goes live at 12 noon on 17 March and runs for just a week, finishing on 24 March, so please help us to make a difference, by making sure ARK remains an Open Door for Cliftonville!

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You can find out more about ARK’s Arts for Impact campaign here.