JustGiving fundraising campaign
23 Jan 19
by Nathon Jones
A young fiddle player joining in a session at the festival in 2018
Trad Music Trust have just launched a new fundraising campaign, via JustGiving, to raise funds to support initial renovation costs for the new arts centre project planned for Newton Stewart in early Spring. You can donate directly online or start your own fundraising page to support the project.
The organisation hopes to build on the outstanding success of the annual festival event and deliver a year-round programme of traditional music, dance, language and arts performances, tuition and exhibitions based in a new arts centre in the former Royal Bank of Scotland building on Victoria Street in Newton Stewart which was vacated by the bank in 2017 and which has remained empty since - yet another empty premises on the main street.
The overall aim of the new arts centre, as well as being a dedicated (much needed!) operational base for the organisation and the festival, is to support new events, activities and projects that will increase the charity's earned income to a level that covers the centre's running costs and the on-going delivery, and development, of the annual music and dance festival.
We want to become an entirely self-sustaining organisation; reducing reliance on grant support and, as a result, ensuring the long-term success and survival of the charity's projects.
The arts centre will deliver 1-to-1 and groupwork tuition for both adults and young people initially covering Guitar, Flute, Whistle, Fiddle, Singing and Bouzouki.
The venue will also host regular live music, dance and language performances, welcoming some of the very best musicians, performers and artists to the region to both entertain and teach local audiences.
The centre will also be available for hire, providing local groups, clubs, organisations, businesses and individuals with a first-class venue for their own events, activities, parties and special occasions.
We are looking for financial support to contribute to the costs of the initial internal renovations in the building which include fully accessible toilet facilities, a professional raised performance area, PA system, musical instruments and lighting.
Your generosity is hugely appreciated and it will ensure that this important, valuable, project is delivered to the highest possible standard, supporting traditional music, dance and language delivery in Wigtownshire and celebrating and championing the wonderful arts culture and heritage of Galloway and Scotland.
Donate Now at JustGiving