#areafiftyone at Funky Aardvark is the original home of the Aardvarks in Chester and currently houses studio space for over 22 Artists, a workshop for courses, a maker space where anyone can come and use creative equipment with help from professionals and an Urban Art Gallery. This compliments the new space at #sixtyone which houses the Gallery, retail shop for British Artists and workshop.We have close links with the council and community organisations and deliver a wide variety of exhibitions, workshops and events across the year.
In our first 2 years we have helped Artists earn over £70k, run over 500 classes, hosted over 80 exhibitions and drunk lots of cups of tea!
To buy the building we need £160k, we have the support of the bank so need to reach the level for a mortgage at least. We are also fundraising locally with our 'buy a brick' scheme.
What we'll deliver:
- buy the building
- upgrade heating system
- upgrade windows
- add disabled access
Why it's a great idea:
By combining the two locations Funky Aardvark is becoming a self sustaining community business covering all aspects of Art and Craft. Once we have completed the purchase of #51 Funky Aardvark will be permanently able to support the community creatively without the need for further large scale funding. Buying the building will also allow a safe, permanent work environment for local people to use daily with support creating avenues into work and learning for everyone. We have been welcomed by the local community as a resource that was lacking and have a positive outlook for support and interest in the long term future
Steps to get it done:
- The bank have offered a mortgage if we cannot raise the full amount in one go.
- We already have the support of the local council
- We are also fundraising in house with the 'buy a brick' scheme to get locals directly involved
- We have had the offer accepted by the owners of the building.
Since having the 2 buildings open we have already taken in 9 more studio artists who have a permanent space, helped 3 artists start their own business, massively increased footfall, set up a thriving maker space, helped 18 artists exhibit for the first time, helped 10 people sell their work for the first time and given away lots of tea and coffee! We have proved that our business model works and that we can make a positive impact on the lives of many people every day but to continue in the way that will allow the business to grow and offer even more we need to buy the building for the studios and maker space. Funky Aardvark is amazing and we want it to be able to exist forever for everyone.
