There are many ways of supporting the Black-E from donating money, goods, or services to coming and working with us - and we welcome all of them.
The good news is that, having raised over £6m for work on the interior rebuilding programme, we are now celebrating the up-grading of existing spaces and the completion of the Main Space - an in-the-round auditorium, with two overlooking balconies, which already elicits 'Wow's' from visitors as they enter for the first time, and which is as unique to the North West as The Roundhouse is to London. As work continues on the construction of a basement-to-roof lift and the up-grading of the entrance dome, we can now promote the cultural programme in a building which has effectively doubled in size, including events (artistic and sporting), exhibitions, and conferences in the new Main Space accommodating 550 persons.
However, the next three years are going to be something of a special period. We are looking forward to good times. But we are also anticipating challenging times.
We continue to seek support for the continuation and development of the cultural programme. In financial terms, rental income (particularly from rentals for the Main Space) will be an essential element in securing and sustaining The Black-E's future. But this income will take some time to grow, and we estimate that it will take three years of growth for rentals to reach an optimal level. Financial support over these three years will be particularly helpful and particularly welcome.
In relation to financial support… …we welcome both one-off donations and sustained support over a number of years. Supporters may choose to direct their donations to individual elements of the programme (for example, to work with young people). Residents of the U.K. may give their support through a Bankers Order, and may additionally provide for Tax paid against their donation to be reimbursed to the Blackie-E. (download the appropriate forms by cliking on the link towards the bottom of the page). You can send a cheque to the address below – we’ve not yet managed to change our name at the bank so please make cheques payable to The Blackie.
In relation to support in kind… …we are in the process of replacing many of the items of equipment and furnishings which were in use during the 1990’s and until 2004 when we vacated the building for the capital programme. We welcome gifts of materials, equipment, and furnishings which will contribute to the realisation of performances and exhibitions, cooking and catering, and all manner of arts and sports workshops (from sculpture and painting to fashion and graphics, from basketball and gymnastics to world music and hip hop).
In relation to support through services… …we welcome assistance with transportation, and professional services which contribute to planning and fundraising initiatives and to report writing. We welcome artists who we welcome assistance with transportation, and professional services which contribute to planning and fundraising initiatives and to report writing. We welcome artists who wish to give their support through involvement in events, exhibitions, and workshops.