Newham: Arts centre closes despite fundraising effort

Applecart raised almost £10,000 with a fundraising page, but announced on 30 December it would be closing down.

A spokesperson for the charity said: “This decision comes despite every effort to sustain the organisation, including the tremendous support from our patrons, artists, and friends.

“Applecart Arts has been a beacon of hope, a place where art and community came alive.

“Your unwavering support allowed us to make dreams come true and create an inclusive, dynamic cultural space.

“Applecart Arts may be closing, but the memories and impact will endure.”

Entertainment trade union Equity said the charity’s closure was a “great loss for both the local and creative community”.

In a December meeting of Newham’s full council, a statement was read out on behalf of Peter Moreton, who co-founded Applecart.

It said the charity had invested more than £70,000 into the restoration of the Passmore Edwards Library and injected around £1.2m into the local economy.

More than 700 emerging artists and 100 theatre companies showcased their work at the venue, it said.