Change language
Actions
Displays
Remove from selection
Add to selection
Abstract

A popular network­ing website and resource for artists is closing after the council pulled its main source of funding.

Creative Islington, which was established in 2006 and has 1,800 members, holds network­ing events and their website connects artists with each other for free.

The website acts as a directory by listing galleries, arts organisations and arts jobs in the borough.

The organisation raised enough funds to run events after Islington Council stopped its main fund­ing in June last year, but did not raise enough to continue networking opportunities for members. The council awarded £320,000 to Creative Islington between 2008 to 2016.

Operations manager Rachel Toogood, along with two freelancers, will lose their jobs at the end of May. Ms Toogood said: “Artists are losing a place, especially for freelancers, a place to come and meet other people to talk about what they’re doing and meet collaborators.”

She added: “I think it’s very sad that a valuable resource for Islington is being lost.”

Member Teresa Grimes, owner of contemporary art gallery Tintype, in Essex Road, said she was saddened to hear about the organisation’s closure. “One can understand the council has other priorities, more urgent claims. But art underpins so much of our activity and cultural life. The closure is a great shame,” she said.

Following the announcement, Creative Islington created a webpage with information about similar services. The council also offers advice for artists on partnerships and funding under their Arts Service scheme.

An Islington Council spokesman said: “As national budget cuts have made it ever harder for arts organ­isa­tions to continue, Islington Council’s grants programme has become increasingly oversubscribed. But we believe in supporting grass-roots organisa­tions and have actually increased the funding pot.

However, nearly 100 groups submitted bids for money that was almost double the available funding. Difficult decisions had to be made, but each application was judged fairly against strict criteria and the council’s ambition for a fair, inclusive society.”