Decision details

The Factory capital refurbishment - Essential capital repairs to Strange Cargo's Cheriton arts space to make it fit for purpose for public access, workshops and exhibitions.

To provide funding of £1000 to the above project.

Reason for decision:

Strange Cargo is an arts charity that works with local communities to create access

and directly involve large groups of people in cultural activities. We have been

established since 1995 and have worked mostly within the south east region and are

based in Cheriton in Kent. Our owned building, The Factory in Cheriton, is a

dedicated arts space that serves the Cheriton community and the wider district

through delivery of our programme of arts projects, that are broad in their remit and

have public participation as a key element. The Factory building needs to implement

Phase 2 of our capital programme to make it fit for purpose; particularly with regard

to the current Governments Covid-19 social distancing guidelines. Intended works

include: new fire exit, storage, disabled toilet, basic kitchen facilities, new front door

entrance and steps, roof repairs, outside space resurfacing. This support will

contribute funds to these essential works and will provide match funding to enable us

to apply for support from High Street Innovation Fund.

We work with many hundreds of local people every year, delivering a high quality

participatory arts offer, including: • Cheriton Light Festival • Charivari carnival •

Public art • Family workshops • Other creative projects All of our work brings people

together. Our core aim is to involve and engage the communities we serve. We have

25 years evidence that places us as a central organisation for community arts delivery within the district. Investment in the capital works will enable us to develop our building as a cultural resource, capable of supporting Cheriton High Street and the cultural offer for Cheriton and the wider district. Carrying out the capital works will

provide Strange Cargo with a fit for purpose arts space which will make it possible to

apply for cultural funds from Arts Council and other bodies to increase the arts offer

for residents and bring an enhanced offer to the area. We need to carry out essential

works, which will ensure we are compliant with current health and safety

requirements and fit for purpose to deliver creative projects i.e. further education

programmes, creative practitioners project space, exhibitions and wider public

access.