Since opening in 2007, Ropetackle Arts Centre has become a vibrant cultural space for the people of Adur and beyond. A registered charity staffed almost entirely by volunteers, we are an arts and community venue, working closely with local schools and colleges, theatre companies, businesses, and many other organisations to bring the widest range of arts activities to as many people as possible.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, we have suffered substantial loss including 70% of our income and two thirds of our seated capacity. We are hugely grateful for the support we have already received – from the community, from government, Adur District Council, and from Arts Council England – but to survive this crisis and secure our future, we do still need your help.
Despite the challenges of COVID-19, we reopened against the odds to successfully deliver a safe and socially distanced programme from August to December 2020. We partnered with local arts organisations, supported local artists, and provided vital work for our freelance workforce.
We were one of just a handful of venues across the country to stage a Christmas pantomime, entertaining hundreds of families, and offering free tickets to NHS workers and vulnerable groups.
Plus, our fantastic volunteers rose to the challenge of providing a safe and secure Ropetackle experience, with 95% of attendees feeling safe, and show capacities averaging 80-95%.
“Everything had been thought of in relation to Covid safety measures. The staff/volunteers were well briefed and very friendly. The layout was excellent, and the surroundings were clean and comfortable. The pantomime itself was absolutely incredible.”
“We felt so safe we went home and booked more events!”
The latest lockdown forced us to cut short our Christmas pantomime and cancel/postpone many shows scheduled for 2021.
We want to build on the work we started in 2020: reopening against the odds and serving the community with safe and uplifting arts experiences. We are also working on an accessible online digital programme.
“I was so grateful [Ropetackle] was open. I didn’t mind wearing a mask. It meant a lot to be back in the theatre.”
Your donation will help us get through this current period of closure, reopen as soon as we can, work with local artists, support local freelancers, and secure the future of arts and culture for the people of Adur and beyond.