We urgently need your support to save Dunoon Burgh Hall, a cornerstone of our town’s cultural and community life.
After celebrating our 150th anniversary this year, the future of our beloved Victorian Hall is under serious threat. This building, rescued from demolition by our community in 2008 and revitalised into a vibrant arts and cultural hub in 2017, has provided countless opportunities for learning, creativity, and connection for people of all ages and walks of life.
However, like many arts organisations, we are struggling to survive in today’s challenging financial climate. Rising costs, the impact of the pandemic, and a gap in funding, combined with an oversubscribed pool of grants and donations, have left us facing a significant shortfall.
A difficult time to ask, but an urgent need
There is never a good time to ask for help but we urgently need your support now to ensure the Hall can remain open into the new year. Without immediate action, we risk losing this historic and vital space that has served our community for over 150 years.
Why your support matters
Dunoon Burgh Hall is more than a building; it is a community space that enriches lives. Here are just a few examples of the life-changing projects and events that rely on the Hall:
· Creative Blethers: Art workshops, live music, and film screenings that have provided joy and connection for elderly people, those with dementia, learning difficulties, and mental health challenges.
· Odyssey Project: A nine-month programme engaging 60 young people with local artists to build skills in the visual arts, design, dance, and filmmaking, improving their confidence and wellbeing.
· YouthSTUFF Theatre Group: Weekly sessions for 30 young people aged 9–16, fostering teamwork, creativity, and performance skills while building confidence.
The Hall is also a hub for high-quality exhibitions, performances, and community events that welcome visitors and generates significant value to the local economy.
Plans for the future
In order to guarantee the long term future of the Hall we are working tirelessly on a strategy to stabilise and rejuvenate so that we can better serve the local community. This includes exploring ways to utilise spaces and generate income as well as assessing overheads to ensure future sustainability. Those plans will be published on our website early in the new year so you can see where we are heading. We are confident that there can be a bright future ahead if we can navigate through the immediate shortfall in revenue.
How You Can Help
1. Donate: Every contribution makes a difference, no matter the size. You can also set up monthly payments to help spread the load.
2. Volunteer: Share your time and talents to help us keep the Hall running.
3. Spread the Word: Share our appeal with friends, family, and on social media to help us reach as many people as possible.
Your generosity and belief in the importance of the arts and community could be the lifeline we need to secure Dunoon Burgh Hall for future generations. Together, we can ensure this extraordinary building continues to be a source of joy, creativity, and connection for years to come.
Thank you for your support.
The Dunoon Burgh Hall Team