A Perthshire arts centre is launching a £20,000 fundraising campaign to as it faces a financial blackhole, with the sector struggling amid the Covid-19 shutdown.
Birnam Arts is experiencing a “severe strain” on its cash flow and overall finances after having to cancel all major events and bookings.
Bosses at the facility are now launching the Save Birnam Arts campaign to raise £20,000, while also stating they will still need to apply for other, outside funding.
The fundraiser is asking members of the community to help keep the doors of the centre open through donations and competitions while also asking people to send in short videos of what Birnam Arts means to them and why it is important that it is saved.
Kate Bell, arts development and marketing officer, said: “Until we are able to restore our buzzing arts programme, resume classes and workshops, host conferences and festivals, Birnam Arts cannot afford to keep the doors open.
“It is a heartbreaking state to be in but we are hopeful. We hope to have generated enough funds to keep the doors open and to help see us through the winter months.
“We anticipate an encouraging turnout of community support and are extremely disappointed we can’t celebrate this and kick start the campaign with a party, as is customary with crowdfunding projects.
“It will be heavily featured on our website and social media platforms, there will be a special surprise celebration in the cafe over the weekend and a brand new video featuring some favourite local faces telling us why it is so crucial we save Birnam Arts.”
The Save Birnam Arts campaign is set to officially launch on Thursday September 17 and the centre is asking supporters to contribute prizes for their upcoming competitions.
Kate said: “These rewards and competitions are vital and increase our chances of reaching the funding target on time.
“If either yourself or people you are in contact with, think you may be able to contribute to the competitions and rewards items, please do let us know.”
To donate to the campaign visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/SaveBirnamArts when the campaign goes live next week or visit the centre’s Foyer Cafe, Potter’s Junction Shop and exhibitions programme on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 3pm.
