As we know, COVID-19 is affecting many businesses, causing us to worry about how we can support our local communities.
Whilst many of us are turning to music and the arts to keep ourselves entertained during the isolation period, the entertainment industry is actually currently amongst one of the worst-hit sectors. This has led to many venues, arts and music businesses having to rely on the kindness and sympathies of both regular customers and strangers alike, by running crowd funders and donation campaigns to keep their businesses afloat.
At NE Volume magazine, we hold music and arts venues close to our hearts. So, we’ve compiled some information about some donation campaigns currently running to help support these businesses – including our own.
Independent venues are especially at risk, and The Cluny in Newcastle attempted to combat this by recently running a donation campaign to help maintain staff payments, bills and supplier costs. As a thank you for the donations, The Cluny have invited all those who have paid to celebrate when it is safe to do so, announcing that they will host four weekends of all-day live music. The Cluny has played host to many bands and artists, promoting locals such as Sam Fender, to providing an intimate venue for the likes of Mumford & Sons and Arctic Monkeys.
The historic Tyneside Cinema brings not only the latest films to Newcastle but also support the local youth via their talent development schemes. Now, it is time for us to give back what they have offered us for so long, by helping to financially support the cinema. A truly charitable place, Tyneside Cinema needs this support to ensure that it can reopen their doors when it is safe to do so: “If you can donate, even the cost of a cinema ticket, you will help ensure the safety of our venue.”
Another venue asking for support is the Georgian Theatre in Stockton. The music charity Tees Music Alliance run the theatre and they’re hoping that the Crowdfunder campaign will enable them to sustain their excellent promotion of local upcoming talents.
In Middlesbrough, Gordon Dalton has set up a similar fundraiser to support artists during this uncertain time. The donations will be available to artists with a TS postcode that are struggling to support themselves due to COVID-19.
Please spare a thought for your local venues during this time and donate what you can.
And if you’re running a Crowdfunder, please email us at info@nevolume.co.uk and we will do all we can to support you.
