Dear Friends,
I hope this email finds everyone well. Many of you will be aware that Tyneside Cinema is facing some serious financial difficulties at present. I’m getting in touch to share some information about a fundraising campaign we are launching, and to ask for your help as we try to rescue the cinema from closure.
https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/lovetynesidecinema
We face a substantial hole in our budget for this year due to spiralling costs, the loss of core Arts Council funding, and a national decline in audiences for independent cinema since the pandemic. If we can’t make up the shortfall, it’s very likely that Tyneside Cinema will close in the next few months. But we have a plan to rescue the cinema that we think is achievable, and your support can play a crucial part in this.
There have been changes here at the venue over the past few weeks. I’m sad to say that the cinema has had to make some unavoidable redundancies, as well as scaling back on operations through reduced opening hours and other changes to how we work.
On a more positive note, we are making good progress with securing additional funding for this year, which should take us two thirds of the way towards ensuring the future of the cinema.
A vital part of the plan to rescue the Tyneside is a public fundraising campaign. We need to raise £150,000 over the next six months and would really appreciate anything you can do to help us spread the word. If you might consider donating that would also be enormously appreciated, and you can of course help us by buying tickets to films, eating in our bar café, or becoming a member of the cinema if you aren’t already. For those of you who are active on social media, or work for organisations that might help promote our campaign, I’ve included some copy for this below and attached some visual assets. With your help we are confident that we can reach our target and remain open.
We are also talking to various supporters of the cinema and celebrity names about potential fundraising events throughout the year. If you might be interested in working with us on some of this activity or have any suggestions, do please get in touch.
Thanks as ever for your valuable support for the Tyneside. We hope to see you soon,
With all best wishes,
Andrew and the Tyneside Cinema Team
https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/lovetynesidecinema