New Brewery Arts, a well-known arts venue in Cirencester, has issued a plea to the community to “use us or lose us,” warning that it could close within six months without new funding. Established in 1978 in the historic former Cirencester Brewery buildings, the charity has served the town for nearly 50 years, offering workshops, courses, artist studios, a shop, and a café.
The venue cited ongoing cost-of-living pressures and a long-term decline in arts funding as key challenges threatening its survival. CEO Beth Alden highlighted the financial strain, noting that rising costs and reduced funding have placed the charity in a difficult position. Despite attracting 110,000 visitors last year, the organization remains at risk and is calling on the community to actively participate in its programs to help sustain operations.
Ms. Alden emphasized that even small actions, such as 30 workshop bookings per month, could bring the venue back into financial stability. She urged local residents to attend courses, classes, and other activities without delay, stressing that community engagement is crucial for the charity’s survival.
The government reiterated its commitment to supporting the arts and culture sector, pointing to initiatives like the Arts Everywhere Fund and the Creative Foundation Fund, which together provide hundreds of millions of pounds in support for arts venues, museums, libraries, and heritage sites. However, the scale of need remains high, with many organizations facing stiff competition for limited funding.
New Brewery Arts’ urgent call reflects broader pressures on cultural organizations across the UK, highlighting the importance of community support, consistent funding, and accessible arts programs to sustain the sector.
