Equity members yesterday rallied outside Newham Council’s offices to call on the council to save much-loved community performance space Applecarts Arts from closure. The centre is an important source of freelance work for Equity members but is facing immediate cashflow issues due to funding cuts, with the doors likely to be closed before Christmas if action is not taken.
Watch a video from the rally on Instagram
In a statement Charlotte Bence, Equity Theatre Official said “We are concerned about the closure of Applecart arts because the loss of any cultural space matters to everybody who cares about access to culture in an underserved borough like Newham. The loss of an important community space is something that must be resisted.
“Specifically for Equity, Applecart Arts represents a workplace for our members. As the trade union for performers and creative workers we care about the loss of spaces where our members present their work. It is important that creative workers who live in Newham have the ability to develop and present their work in their own local area, in paces that are part of their community and that provide a springboard to other venues in London and beyond.
“We call on the Mayor of Newham to get the chequebook out and save Applecart Arts, to keep that vital community space open and enable Applecart Arts to continue to provide the jobs and access to culture and community services that Newham workers and residents deserve.”
Above: Equity North London members at the rally
Applecarts Arts producer Will Alder addressed the rally saying: “We are the only arts organisation of our size and shape in Newham. There used to be Stratford Circus, but Stratford Circus is no more. We provide vital services not only to the local community but we support emerging artists from across the UK and we want to carry on doing that vital work.”
The rally drew the attention of the media, including The Stage and BBC London, adding to the pressure on Newham Council that’s been building up with a petition and a second rally already planned. Equity’s Charlotte Bence spoke to BBC London about why saving Applecart Arts matters to the wider London community – listen on BBC Sounds Eddie Nestor - 03/12/2024 - BBC Sounds (35:52).
Equity is calling on the Council to save Applecarts Arts by:
- Allocating £100,000 from the unrestricted 2025 reserves to keep Applecart Arts afloat, and demand the new government restore the funding.
- Negotiating with Applecart over longer-term subsidy to help it stabilise and expand Newham's cultural offer.
Join the next rally on Monday 16 December
Equity will join together with other local trade unionists to hold a rally outside the next full Newham council meeting on the evening of Monday 16 December. Bring your banners and your flags so we can tell the council that Newham needs investment in the arts and call on them to save Applecart Arts. We will be meeting outside Old Town Hall, Stratford, E15 4BQ. Timings TBC - keep an eye on our social media or this page for confirmation.
Sign the petition calling on Newham Council to save Applecart Arts
