Equity members rally to save east London community performance space

Members of the performers and creative workers’ union Equity have rallied outside the east London offices of Newham Council in support of a local community performance space which is under threat.

Applecart Arts in East Ham is facing imminent closure due to funding cuts that have created cash flow issues.

The arts organisation is currently attempting to raise funds via a Crowdfunder campaign.

Equity theatre official, Charlotte Bence, said: “We are concerned about the closure of Applecart Arts because the loss of any cultural space matters to everybody who cares about access to culture in an underserved borough like Newham.

“The loss of an important community space is something that must be resisted.”

She added: “It is important that creative workers who live in Newham have the ability to develop and present their work in their own local area, in spaces that are part of their community and that provide a springboard to other venues in London and beyond.”

She called on the Mayor of Newham to “get the chequebook out and save Applecart Arts”.

Applecart Arts producer Will Alder told the rally: “We are the only arts organisation of our size and shape in Newham.

“We provide vital services not only to the local community but we support emerging artists from across the UK, and we want to carry on doing that vital work.”