We came close to this point in June 2017 and we are extremely grateful for the support and money raised at that time which allowed us to continue trading and bought us some time to reassess the business model. Unfortunately, despite progress made in many areas, the failure to secure Arts funding for project development and the timing of the closure of Bell Street for street enhancements, since September 2017, proved too big a challenge and in order to protect our creditors as much as possible we had no option than to take this decision. We know that hundreds of you have contributed personally to this enterprise, and had hoped, like us, to see it succeed. Many have given time, money and support as customers and we cannot thank you enough. The support of this community is what kept us going for so long despite all the odds. Over the past six years we have supported the work and development of hundreds of talented artists and makers; we have delivered community projects in schools and through numerous art and craft workshops many new opportunities have been provided for teaching, public participation and social wellbeing. Our café became a dearly loved community hub providing a meeting place and social space for many. There are also many successful spin-off projects which were supported by the CIC, including Rum’s Eg Singers, Prescription Arts Test Valley (now a registered charity), Tea Poets Collective and youth arts projects in collaboration with The Arts Society which are all set to continue.
