We are fundraising to establish a permanent space in central Manchester. This will consist of at least two rooms: a café-bar and a flexible social space. Progressive political groups and independent cultural groups will be able to use the social space for free, and revenue generated by gigs and the café-bar will subsidise free use of the space. Partisan can be a collective resource to bring groups together in Manchester. We want to create an accessible, child-friendly space to socialise in, without pressure to purchase food or drink. We are currently discussing potential spaces with various agents, developers and other communities and creatives and we hope to sign a lease by the end of November, in line with the end of fundraising. The rental costs for our campaign are based on the averages for the potential spaces we have been looking at. If our spend comes in at less than these, we’ll allocate the funds raised to some of the other costs we know we will have for fitting out.

What we'll deliver:

• Enable grassroots cultural and creative events and practices to take place
• Ensure that the space fully accessible
• Establish our permanent space in Manchester
• Provide a meeting space for social justice and community groups in Manchester

Why it's a great idea:

Manchester is a fast-growing city, and cultural and business opportunities are flourishing. This growth brings with it so many positives: more jobs in the creative industries, arts and education, new places to go out and a young, dynamic population. While we enjoy the value that expansion brings and the multitude of arts and entertainment on offer, it inevitably also brings further competition and extra commercial pressure. This pressure, compounded by the toxic effects of austerity, creates a difficult living and working environment that weighs heavily on the shoulders of all wanting to start something new or pursue work that actually benefits locals. Since May 2016, Partisan has held temporary residence at 3space Manchester. Over this period more than 20 local community groups, artists, and musicians have used our space for their meetings, exhibitions, and gigs. This engagement shows that there is demand and need for a permanent Partisan space in Manchester.

Steps to get it done:

• Decorate and refit permanent space
• Fit permanent space with sound and recording equipment
• Fundraise through gigs and events
• Establish a community of user groups
• Establish a temporary space and provide space to user groups
• Legally constitute as a workers' co-operative
• Secure a permanent space

Whatever amount you donate, you will receive a year’s membership to Partisan once our permanent space is up and running. When Partisan opens, all users of the space will need to be members. Monthly membership plans will be available in future, but right now we need payments up front so we can get the space off the ground. Our annual membership fees below are a guide to suggested donations. These are just for reference: anything you can give will make a difference. Annual Partisan membership fees: £10 per year - unwaged membership £20 per year - waged membership £30 per year - high waged membership £40 per year - solidarity membership If you aren’t in a position to donate, we would greatly appreciate it if you can share our crowdfunding page with friends, family, and on social media.