Creative Workspace is creating rehearsal space for new and emerging theatre companies, musicians, dance classes and choirs in and around Bristol.

In addition to this, they aim to offer many additional facilities particularly useful for theatre companies, such as free WIFI for producers and for research, a workshop with carpentry and costume-making tools, a music room with recording equipment, and a space for local musicians to rehearse and record.

In April 2017, they successfully raised £6,066 from 65 supporters in 35 days - including a £3,000 matched grant from Arts Council England. We spoke to Gill Simmons to find out more:

Why did you decide to try crowdfunding?

This is a community venture, so it seemed entirely appropriate to begin it with an opportunity for the community to invest at the very beginning.

How is crowdfunding different from how you normally finance or fundraise for projects?

We usually either create projects that fit specific criteria funded by small local council grants, or we respond to commissions that already have a budget secured.

Crowdfunding in this way has given us the freedom to shape and develop our project in ways we never could before, because the crowdfunding has secured our core costs, giving us relative long-term financial stability for the first time.

We can respond to the needs and ideas from the local community - and the professional creatives who will also use the space - as to what they want to see happening in Creative Workspace.

What will you use the money for and what has happened since you hit your crowdfunding target?

The crowdfunding will be used partly for the core costs of running Creative Workspace and partly to fund some creative participatory events for the local community.

What would be your top tips for others considering crowdfunding for arts projects?

Definitely do it! Also, the tips from Crowdfunder about how to keep momentum going with your campaign are really useful. 

This article was originally published on Crowdfunder