#SaveOurVenues - Patchwork Studios, Cornwall

Keep Patchwork Alive! 

Across the country, hundreds of grassroots venues and community hubs are at real risk of permanent closure. Facing our own financial burdens through these difficult times, we are joining the national #SaveOurVenues campaign to ensure that we Keep Patchwork Alive, and can continue to creatively support our vibrant community in the wake of this pandemic.

We're a small team of musicians and artists who volunteer all of our spare time to create something positive and culturally unique for our area. We've never felt comfortable approaching our community with hands outstretched, opting instead to invest our own capital into creating Patchwork Studios over the last three years. However, with no end to the lockdown in sight and our own personal reserves now depleted, we feel we have little choice but to reach out to the communities that we strive to support for your help.

Why do we need support?

Our full schedule of creative events and workshops was just rolling out as the virus reached our shores. In no time, our doors were closed to protect the public, leaving our community hub in a precarious financial position. Unfortunately the government relief grant criteria was drafted quickly and with a broad stroke, meaning second homeowners who run properties as holiday lets each received £10,000, whilst our situation as local tenants within a larger building made us ineligible for support.

We appreciate that times are tough for everyone right now, and we have been incredibly hesitant to publicly ask for help. Ultimately, in our hearts we know that our projects have the ability to really positively affect our community post-pandemic, and we feel an obligation to do everything we can to ensure we’re able to provide that support. All donations will be used to put us back on firm financial ground and enable us to open our doors to you all as soon as we are safely able.

First time you’ve come across us?

Patchwork Studios is a creative community centre in Cornwall comprising a grassroots venue, professional recording studio and rehearsal rooms, alongside a contemporary gallery and arts school. As the only premises providing any of the above within an hour drive, we strive to be as inclusive as possible of the diverse community around us, with a strong emphasis on youth development and reducing social isolation.

Please check out our website to get a feel for who are are and what we do.

If we hit our #SaveOurVenues target and can avoid permanent closure, everything above the amount we need will be donated to the Music Venue Trust's national GMV Crisis Fund to protect other venues just like ours, right across the country. Thank you for reading, and please help us to spread the word and reach our target!