Crowdfunder to save South Bristol community space enters final week

Crowdfunder to save South Bristol community space enters final week

Posted on: 17 Jun 2022

Organisers are appealing for support to safeguard Zion Community Art Space for the future.

 

There are just a few days remaining on a crowdfunding campaign to take Zion Community Art Space into community ownership, with just over half of a £229,300 target raised at the time of writing.

 

For more than 11 years, Zion has provided a place for people in Bedminster Down and Bishopsworth to chat over a cup of tea or lunch, learn something new, engage with support groups or enjoy live comedy, music, theatre and more.

 

If the crowdfunder is successful, its Community Share Offer will mean Zion, more specifically the building and everything that goes on inside it, will be owned by the community and remain so for generations to come.

 

 

Opened in 2011, Zion took over what was previously a derelict chapel building and breathed new life into it with a much-needed programme of community outreach, arts events, kids' sessions and more.

 

Founder and local resident Jess Wright wanted to create a community area in a part of the city with a lack of social and cultural venues, and provide space for people of all ages and backgrounds to meet and improve wellbeing.

 

With the help of a dedicated team of volunteers, Zion has grown to attract more than 15,000 people a year, currently opens at least five days a week and hosts a diverse programme of more than 200 events and activities. 

 

 

Now, Zion are looking to safeguard their future with a Community Share Offer, encouraging locals to invest in a project that benefits their community, and have a say in how the space is operated. 

 

If the building isn't purchased by the community, it will be put onto the private market, and the community space could be lost forever.

 

Organisers hope to encourage as many people as possible to support the project. Investments must be a minimum of £50 for BS13 residents in receipt of benefits, and a minimum of £100 for any other supporters.

 

Currently, Zion have raised £132,300 of a £229,300 target, with six days remaining on the crowdfunding appeal. In the event that the target is not met, Zion will not proceed with their Community Share Offer and all investments will be returned.

 

To find out more about Zion Community Art Space, or to support the campaign to take it into community ownership, head to its Crowdfunder page or find the organisers on Twitter.

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Article by:

Matt Robson

 

Editor - 365Bristol.com & LOUD Magazine
 

Matt is a Journalism graduate and writer, passionate about supporting Bristol music, art and independent business. Get in touch via email at matt@365bristol.com.