Suffolk Artlink ‘facing funding crisis’

An art charity in Suffolk is facing the prospect of closure if it cannot raise enough money in the next three months.

Suffolk Artlink, which works to boost the health and wellbeing of vulnerable people through art projects, said it is facing a “crisis” due to a combination of local government cuts and increased demand.

To continue, it says it needs to raise £30,000 from donations by 29 January 2025 and a further £70,000 by October 2025.

“For over 20 years, the charity’s creative projects have brought huge benefits to participants, their families, friends, and the wider community across Suffolk and the wider East Anglian region,” a statement issued by the charity.

“[But] this work could disappear. Due to local government cuts and increased demand from communities, Suffolk Artlink is facing a crisis – risking the hope and happiness the charity brings to thousands.”

Budget deficit

The charity’s most recent full-year accounts for 2023/24 show income of £331,220 but expenditure of £368,190, resulting in a loss of £36,970.

Despite expenditure being reduced to the lowest level in a five-year period—down 14.8% on the 2019/20 figure of £432,160—income has reduced at an even faster rate—down 37.9% on the £532,980 received in 2019/20.

Suffolk Artlink’s general manager told the BBC: “For a lot of people we work with, coming to our session is the only bright spot in their week.

“They get the opportunity to be themselves, to express their own ideas and feelings and to share that passion and creativity with others.

“[With us], they are artists and are not defined as someone with a learning disability, or long-term health condition; it’s like they rediscover themselves and they are better able to make friends.

“The alternative is we leave people stranded and isolated in their homes – that is the risk.”

“If people don’t donate, the charity would close.”

Earlier this year, Suffolk County Council announced its intention to cut all of its arts spending to help it deal with the impact of inflation and rising demand for social care services.

However, after £600m of additional funding was provided to councils by central government to help them deal with the rising cost of care, the council announced a £500,000 Culture Project Fund, which opened last month.