Without compensation or support Candid Arts Centre faces closure on 31st March 2024.
Without compensation or support Candid Arts Centre faces closure on 31st March 2024.
For over a year Candid Arts Trust, a self-funded registered charity has been seriously impacted by the noise (in excess of 90db) and disruption, from the demolition works at Angel Square, which occurs 6 days a week.
Candid’s art classes have been severely disrupted and the charity has not been able to maintain its usual programme of events or to hire out its spaces at the usual level. It is impossible to use the space for filming, rehearsals, product launches etc. all of which are important revenue generators for the charity as these would be drowned out by the deafening noise opposite. Clients have decided not to go ahead with their events because of the noise and how this would impact their audience.
This has severely reduced Candid’s revenue and losses are now in six figures. Consequently, after 35 years Candid is now facing closure at the end of March.
Artist and Islington resident, Arianna Bottinelli says:
“For the last 35 years, the Candid Arts Centre, on Torrens Street EC1, has been playing a pivotal role in supporting local artists through reasonably priced exhibitions and workshops, by engaging with the wider community by organising free music, poetry, and art events, and by providing a peaceful, inspiring environment with its cafe’. During the last year, all these activities have been severely disrupted by the construction works taking place at Angel Square, undermining the Charity’s financial situation up to the point where the only option is now to close down.
Help for funds and compensation was asked several times but with no success and, sadly, with overall scarce consideration from Islington Council.
I feel shattered by the news that the Candid Arts Centre’s time is almost up. Most of all, I feel its closure would be an incommensurable loss for the community.
It would mean not only losing a piece of history and a beautiful historical building, but also a reference point for artists and a welcoming oasis of peace and contemplation within London’s ever increasing hecticity.
Places like the Candid Arts Centre are disappearing, and with them we lose pieces of our history and of our humanity.”
Editor, curator, film / event producer, Gareth Evans says:
“This is an entirely unacceptable situation and must be addressed with great urgency.
The deafening SILENCE of those responsible, as well as certain in power, for failing to address this earlier, must not be tolerated a moment longer.
As the city loses ever more cultural venues and community spaces, NOW is the time to act if you wish to emerge honourably from this unfolding erasure.
The city’s cultural community, and Candid’s numerous users, are watching.”
Full details can be found here.
You can also sign this petition to save the centre.
