unsung heroes Gateshead Visible Ethnic Minorities Support Group (Registered Charity No. 1008100) Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2024 Registered Charity No. 1008100 Page 1 of 21
Contents Title Legal and Administrative Infomiation Trustees Annual Report Independent Examiners Report Statement of Financial Activities Balance Sheet Notes to the Accounts Page 13 14 15 16-21 Registered Charity No. 1008100 Page 2 of 21
Legal and Administrative Information Name: Gatesheaj Visible Elhnic Minorities Support Group Charity No: Principal Address: 1008100 89 Salc<xnbe Gardens Low Fell GATESHEAD Tyne & Wear NE9 6UD Trustees: Mr Ashok Kumar (Chair) Mr A Singh Gill MBE (VI Chair) Angela Singh ff reasurer) Manjrt Singh Dhindsa (Secretary) Michael Harte Birinder Singh Brar Ala Miah Stuart Bell Governing DocumenL The Charity is operated under the rules of its constitution dated 2 November 1991. and is unincorporated. Bankers: HSBC plc 110 Grey Street Newcastle Upon Tyne NE13JG Independent Examiner. Keith Blackett FMAAT Beechwood Acunting NE Ltd 80 Beechwood Gdns GATESHEAD NE11 ODA Registered Charity No. 1008100 Page 3 of 21
Trustees Annual Report Our Work: Gateshead Visible Ethnic Minorities Support Group works with and for vulnerable and marginalised Black Asian and Minority Ethnic. asylum seeker and refugee communities who fa barrters on many levels, including personal, family, community and wider social and institutional contexts, and are at risk of isolation and exclusion and face racism and discrimination. We are an anti-racist charity. Through the work we deliver we support all communities in making representation to Servi providers and ensure they have equal aCsS to the ServIS they provide" we provide an opportunity for communtties to raise issues of concem and take positive action: and develop effective links between organisations and other associations operating in the area, on matters of common concem. Equality, diversity, equity and inclusion is fundamental to our work. Our projects contribute to strengthening the Minority Ethnic voluntary infrastructure through high qualty activity, training and development, and capacty building. Overall our projects increase communty engagement amongst those who are at risk of exclusion and isolation, combating raasm and discrimination. helping to strengthen )MmUnitY cohesion, and go towards achieving a reduction in ra inequalrties. Through providing access to engaging, high qualrty activÉty, induding training, educ2tional and cultural activities, led by professional practrtioners. support workers and volunteers, our programmes aim to provide our beneficiaries with the opportunÉty to: Develop new skills & interests Raise their Confiden & self esteem Experience working alongside professional practitioners Identify and explore educational, volunteering and career opportunlties Improve social, physical and mental heatth and wellbeing Become more active and healthy Interact wrth others in a creative, dynamic & enjoyable environment. Mutual support and working together Opportunities to examine issues affecting their lives Giving a voice to culturally diverse groups to raise awareness of and lebrate their own cutturelidentity We work in partnership with Gateshead Council, Northumbria Police. Community Safety Team, NHS, Public Health, local schools and communrty groups. Citizens Advice Gateshead, Gateshead Interfaith Forum. housing services, and Leisurelcultural Services Memoriam of Founding Trustse Bahal Singh Dhindsa MBE (1110111923 - 0410912023) Wrth deep respect and heartfelt gratrtude, we acknowledge the passing of Bahal Singh Dhindsa MBE on 4th September 2023, a visionary leader and dedicated founding trustee of GVEMSG. He played a pivotsl role in shaping the mission and values of our organisation, leaving an indelible mark on our joumey and impact, Bahal ji's unwavering commitment. wisdom, and generosty were instrumental in laying the foundation for creating an all-indusive multi-cultural society and to address racism and discrimination in all its forms. His legacy continues to inspire us as we carry forward the work he held so dear. We were honoured and blessed to have celebrated his 100 birthday, his life and incredible contribution to the North East. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family. friends. communty and all who were fortunate to know and work alongside Bahal Ji. He will be deepty missed and fondly remembered. Registered Charity No. 1008100 Page 4 of 21
In honour of Bahal Singh Dhindsa MBE we remain steadfast in our commilment to the vision he helped cate. 2023124 - Activities & Achievements: In 2023124 we have engaged, supported and worked with over 2000 people from across all age ranges, faith communities and ethniclties. The COVID19 pandemic, cost of living and energy crisis have disproportionalely impacted Black Asian and Minorrty Ethnic communities and has further amplrfied racial and health inequalities. We know that many people in our communities are feeling even more isolated. lonely, worried and vulnerable, which is having a negative impact on their heafth and wellbeing - with women, older people, children and young people at greatest risk. Digital exclusion is a major barrier faced by communrties we work with. We have continued to do be responsive to communty needs. GVEMSG has further developed the capacity of the organisation in tenns of govemance, operational, monitoring, reporting and financial management system. We continue to provide our trustees. staff and volunteers wtth appropriate training and development. At our base in Bensharn Grove Community Centre in Gateshead we continue to deliver a range of weekly support, advice and development sessions - Mondays. 1pm-3pm - Feel Good Group: We deliver weekly Health and Wellbeing sessions supporting and working with women from minority ethnic and wider communrties who feel isolated. The sessions engage women in activities to overcome barriers and enable them to access cufturally relevant creative leaming opportunities and to sooalise and interact with other women. The women in the group have various physical and mental health issues, and the sessions offer an active, creative and safe environment to build their own confidence, improve health and wellbeing, and support each other. Members come from drfferent faith and cultural backgrounds but find common ground in activities. The group receives GP referrals of women who would benefrt from joining the group to aCsS support and advice. The weekly activrties include visual arts sessions. movements. dan and exercise sessions, group outings to local areas of intertest, and providing training, as well as facilitating their progress towards volunteering. employment and enterprise. Between April to July 2023 as part of GemArts Cultural Threads creative heatth programme the group worked with artist Pui Lee over 6 sessions to develop painting and paper folding skills" and after that worked with artist Shiori over 7 sessions to develop Japanese dying, printing and embroidery techniques called Shibori which produces patterns on fabric. These were displayed at GemArts Masala Festival. October to Dernber 2023 the group participated in 11 sessions with artist Donna Cheshire to develop textile skn'lls. January- March 2024 the Feel Good Group worked wrlh artists Emma Sheridan to create a large scale banner exploring themes of spring, new lrfe and new beginnings. They engaged in conversations about learning, traditions. creativity and social chat while making their work. The final banner was displayed at GemArts Holi celebralions on 30 March at Baltic. Exhibiting the work in an intemational gallery for family, friends, wider communrty and thousands of visitors, created a real sense of pride. achievement, wellbeing and belonging for the participanls. Throughout year we delivered Tai Chi and Zumba sessions with the Feel Good Group and during our Wednesday drop in sessions. The sessions have offered more than just physical exercise: they provide a holistic approach to mental health and wellbeing. The Bollywood and Bhangra music. which the participants chose for Zumba sessions. and energetic movements released endorphins, there was lots of smiling and laughing. reducing stress and anxiety. Participants experienced a sense of community and connection, boosting mood and self-esteem. The sessions fostered mindfulness, helping individuals stay present and grounded. Overall, the structured yet fun environment enhanced both physical and emotional wellbeing. Registered Charity No. 1008100 Page 5 of 21
Tuesdays. 10am-1 pm - English Classes: Zahra our Community Bridge Builder has been working with people seeking sanctuary. We know a lack of English language skills pose significant barriers for many people across the borough. Asylum seekers and refugees in their first 6-months after arrival are particularly vulnerable in the current system of language skills provision. Zahra, has been delivering English for beginners dasses, supported by Harpal, our Communrty Development Worf(er. The sessions continue to be very popular with up to 30 leamers in each session and we have offered refreshmenlslhot food and through funding from Lankelly Chase we cover their travel expenses to remove barriers to attending. The sessions offer a whole range of additional help. support and signposting to other services as well as supporting the mentsl health and wellbeing of individuals and families. Wednesdays, 1 pm4pm - Drop In Centre: The sessions offer advice and support and signposting to a range of services induding housing, health and wellbeing, cultural and creative opportunities, social services, environmental services, education, volunteering, career opportunities, access to Police, we are a safe reF)Orting centre. Our organisation is proud to be part of the #WarmSpacesNetwork across Gateshead. Everyone who comes to our warm space is offered a hot or cold drink, snacks, hot food and is welcomed by one of our staff members and volunteers. Our staff and volunteers speak various communrty languages and help wrth interpretation and translation and filling in fomis. The drop in provides an opportunity for social inclusion and cohesion. It is both popular and indispensable for existing communities and new arrivals. These sessions have been invaluable in keeping people connected. active, improving their heah and wellbeing, and creating a sense of belonging. Sectorlstratsglc DevelopmenL Trustees, staff and volunteers also contribute to other boards and forums including - Bensham Grove Communtty Centre, Crtizens Advice Gateshead. Northem Stage, Newcastle University Court, Gateshead Voluntary Sector Leaders Group, plus others. GVEMSG has worked in partnership with local minority ethnic volunlary groups in Gateshead and Tyne and Wear to provide advocacy and support Volunteer Development Volunteers support the aims of our charTty and play an integral part in meeting our vision and mission. 50 volunteers have supported our charty this year. and we have provided a whole range of support. We are truly grateful for their passion and commrtment and value their contributions enormously. GemArts GemArts is one of a limited number of National Portfolio Organisation funded by the Arts Council England, and is an award winning leader in the South Asian and diversrty arts sector. GemArts creates and programmes high quality concerts, events. festivals, workshops and commissions with regional. national and internalional artists across all art fomis. We specialise in high quality culturally diverse participatory arts projects wrth Minority Ethnic and wider communilies that are least engaged, and proaclively disseminated best practice advances through regional and nal'onal networks and plafforms. In 2023124 GemArts delivered an ambitious and inspiring artistic programme across all strands of work, collaborating with flagship venues, communrty spaces and national louring partners, supporting artists at every stage of their career. ensuring Ihat talent and artistic excellence is diverse. thriving and celebrated. As covid restrictions lifted we were able to re•establish our internalional programme of work. We produced and programmed 34 performanceslexhibitions spanning traditional and contemporary works, employed 177 individual artists. and attracted in excess of 24,000 live audiences from diverse communities and 45.500 on-line audiences. GemArts added to its crFtically acdaimed Riverside Ragas concert series at The Glasshouse, presenting the very best in classical, folk and contemporary music. We delivered pre-Conrt talks, demonstrations, workshops and masterdasses with academics, musicians and joumalists. induding online content (podcasts). This was also a remarkable year for international programming. Amongst many highlights, GemArts have brought to the region three of the world's most outstanding Sarod players of our Registered Charity No. 1008100 Page 6 of 21
generation, Debasmita Bhattacharya, Prattyush BanerJ and Abhishek Borkar who collaborated with kathak danr Saberi Misra: all of who were accompanied by the finest UK talent on tabla including, Gurdain Rayatt and Pl Rajkumar Misra. In addition, tabla virtuoso Shahbaz Hussain accompanied Grammy Award winner Pt Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, intemational sitar maestro Shakir Khan and UK based sitarist Baluji Shrivastav to capaaty aUdIenS and to standing ovats'onsl We continued to engage new audiences working in partnership with venues of drfterent size and scale across the region. Wilh long term collaboralors Jazz North East, we programmed at Jesmond Refom Church, spellbinding pianist and visionary composer. Zoe Rahman. who presented her new album 'Colour of Sound" featuring an all-star line-up to a full house. Then in November at Gosforth Civic Theatre. Yorkston Thorne Ghatak explored the crossover worlds of Indian Classical, Jazz and Folk music. At Culture Lab. Newcastle Universrty. GemArts presented legendry Khyal vocalist Pandit Sajan Misra, accompanied by Pandrt Sanju Sahai on tabla, vocalist Swaransh Mishra and Kirpal Singh Panesar on hamionium. Also, at Cufture Lab with NCLA we supported the launch of Chrtra Ramaswamy's new book Homelands: The History of a Friendship in conversation with Sinéad Morrissey. And at Northem Stage comedy theatre Happy Birthday Sunita was received joyfully by audiences. Strengthening our partnership with Durham Universrty, GemArts collaborated on Ihe third edrtion of Indian Spring Colours in March with a stellar line up of concerts over two days including brilliant sarangi player Satwinder Pal Singh. vocalist Sanchita Pal and rising star and santoor player Eeshar Sigh. GemArts commitment to supporting traditional and contemporary dan was absolutely demonstrated this year through an exceptional programme. In stage 1 at Northem Stage world renowned kath8k danr Aditi Mangaldas presented FORBIDDEN. outstanding new work exploring female sexuality. In collaboration with Dan City we programmed Akash Odedra's Little Murmur a dance theatre show for children and families, featuring ground-breaking projection, an extraordinary soundscape and a blizzard of paper and confetti. This stunning visual treat is an honest and heart felt conversation about the trials and tribulations of living with dyslexia, facing challenges and overcoming the odds. GemArts was delighted to ccFcommission and present Payal Ramchandani's The Forest Dream - a multi-styled dance- theatre work highlighting dimate emergency to a capacrty audience. GemArts' award-winning Masala Festival returned from 17th to 23rd July 2023, celebrating South Asian cultural goodness! The festival opened wth Roshni by Sonia Sabri Company, a stunning fusion of dance and live music at Dance Crty. Music highlights included Mitra at Cluny 2, blending blues and Hinduslani sounds" and GemArts collaborated wtth BBC Proms and Sage Gateshead for a late night special of exlraordinary music perfomied by tsvo leading lights of the British jazz scene - Yazz Ahmed and Arun Ghosh. which was broadcast on Radio 3 reaching thousands of audiences and received fantastic 5-star reviews. We were thrilled to announce a new partnership with Tyne and Wear Metro who will be our headline sponsors. To celebrate we programmed an incredible dance and live music perfonnance event at Monument Metro You&Me by Amina Khyam. Visual arts featured emerging artist Sajil Kaleem's Fabricated at The Newbridge Project. while films like Rehana Maryam Noorat Tyneside Cinema and Topographies at BALTIC showcased diverse South Asian landscapes. Workshops, Dabbawal's delicious street food. and the Masala Fesb'val Mini Mela finale at Bensham Grove capped a vibrant week of arts, creativty, and family fun! For the third year GemArts delivered Holi Festival of Colours on 30th March 2024 in partnership with Baltic where over 4000 people attended this EPIC event! We celebrated colour and the Holi tradrtion through creative workshops, Henna stations, dance, music, food and a joyous colour throw on Baltic Square attracting a diverse young and family audience. This has become a firm favourite in the North East cultural calendar and we had fanlaslic coverage on local BBC and Tyne Tees news and media. GemArts invested in R&D and encouraged artists to take risks, commissioning ground-breaking, innovative projects. artist talks and productions to raise both the profile and qualrty of South Asian arts and intercultural collaborations across England. GemArts commissioned 3 new works.. The Forest Drearn by kuchipudi dancer Payal Ramchandani - this multi-styled dance-theatre work explores the fine balance between human existence and climate emergency", Masala Festival - Topographies.. Places and Faces at Baltic, a programme of short films Registered Charity No. 1008100 Page 7 of 21
takes us on a joumey through urban and rural landscapes across South Asia curaled by regional film maker Sonali Joshi: and we commissioned Middlesbrough based artist Rumana Yasmin to produce a Mini Book Fair at Masala Festival celebrating creators and characters of South Asian heritage in children's publishing bringing 3 publishers together Bok Bok Books. AdiDev Press and Parakeet Books for readings and workshops. GemArts continue to nurture a new generation of creative artistslpractitioners from under-represented groups, with a long-temi aim of diversifying senior management and leadership roles in the arts. In 2023124 our Crealive Associates Programme supported 16 artists whose work reflects creative and cultural diversity through training. developrnental, participatory and perfomiance opportunities. Of those, 13 were music leaders from the region on our Youth Music funded East By North East programme; we broadened the cohort to ensure gender equality across the programme. supporting artists to lead complex projects with several partners working with young peopel living in challenging circUmstans, providing professional development, peer mentoring, training and sharing best practice. The programme continues to evidence progression routes from participants, to young leaders, to volunteer and to practitioners. GemArts demonstrates considerable depth of knowledge and understanding around complex issues related to cultural diversity and arts. In 2023124 we have continued to build on our excellent track record, further collaborating with the public and voluntary sector to expand our artislic programme to provide more opportunities for professional artists and Minority Ethnic and wider communities that are least engaged to work with one another, co-create. sustaining the arts regionally, and addressing communty needs and issues. This year we have delivered a blended programme of face to face and on-line sessions across the North East, employed and supported a culturally diverse workforce of 52 artists in participatory settings, and delivered, in formal education and community settings. 715 sessions with over 18,300 participants (and 45,604 on-line) from minority ethnic and wider communities that are least engaged and across protected characteristics and age ranges. Highlights include: Cultural Threads - GemArts arts, health and wellbeing programme provides culturally relevant arts opportunities with minority ethnic and wider communrties to reduce loneliness and isolation, keep people connected, creative, improving health and wellbeing. GemArts was awarded additional funding from Gateshead Communrty Mental Health fund to expand our Cultural Threads programme in Gateshead. Between May and July 2023, the programme included: Shibori textile sessions with artists Shiori and the Feel-Good Women's Group, and willow lantern-making sessions with artist Saya Naruse for people seeking sanctuary at Hillside Church. Final artworks were showcased at Mini Mela on 23" July. From October to December 2023. activities included.. lextile workshops with the Feel-Good Women's Group delivered with Donna Cheshire", artist Pui Lee delivered DIY magazine sessions with Hillside Church participants, and painting and craft sessions with visual artist Jayamini and women from the Millin Centre. Thirty-five craft packs by Yvette Ja were distributed, and a celebration event on 20 December at Bensham Grove exhibited participants, work, engaging 100 attendees. Between January to March 2024, artist Emma Sheridan led workshops with our Feel Good Group to create a banner for GemArts Holi celebrations at Baltic. Over Ihe programme we delivered Tai Chi and Zumba sessions with our FeekGood Group and at our Wednesday drop in sessions. We worked wrth 320 parttcipants and engaged over 5000 audien members far exceeding our target. We worked wth a totsl of 9 professional artists. Participant backgrounds include those who are from Sudan. Ukraine, Russia, Albania, Rwanda, Registered Charity No. 1008100 Page 8 of 21
Kurdistan, Iraq, Guatamala, El Salvador, Iran, Kuwait. Pakistan. Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, India and EnglandlGateshead. GemArts Cultural Threads programme was highlighted in the Transfomialion in Gateshead- The Story So far video htt s'.IlwwN. outube.comlwatch?v=6u Cultural Threads - NHS Sessions GemArts continued our Cultural Threads programme to work with partners at NHS who identfy fronlline staff from the whole of Ihe health and social care sector. We are working with staff members who are battling COVID-19. and have fad and continue to experience burn out, fatigue, trauma and bereavement, be that their family, friends andlor colleagues. and when needed signposting NHS staff to professional help and support, to improve their mental, physical and social health and wellbeing. Final on-line Chinese Watercolour sessions with visual artist Chun Chao began in June 2023 on Monday and Tuesday evenings. We delivered 12 sessions with 68 participants and the feedback has been overwhelmingly posilive, and despite continuing to eviden the irnpact the sessions have had on improving NHS staff heath and wellbeing the funding has been pu15ed due to NHS cuts. The feedback from participants has been incredible with 1000/0 reporting that the sessions have improved their health and wellbeing through developing new creative skills. Researchers at NHS have also evidenced that the Cultural Threads sessions are having the same posrtive impact on staff s wellbeing as those being referred to clinical psychologistrtherapists. Spring Bank Pavilion, Leazes Park In partnership with Urban Green and The Newcaslle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust GemArts deliVed new set of Cultural Threads sessions between June- October 2023: 12 sessions wrth Lily Daniels on nature textile dying: 1 session with Saya Naruse exploring nature print making; 3 sessions with Sofia Barton creating nature rangoli and Gond Art., 2 sessions with Michelle Wood creating cOnrtinaS booklets inspired by natu. We engaged with 60 participants. Lily also delivered a Willow tray workshops on 16th September at celebratory event. Culture Exchange Group. Byker Visual artist Emma Sheridan worked with Barnardo's Newcastle Family Hub East, a group for refugees and those seeking asylum. Over 7 weeks delivered a Recycling Decoupage project, followed by another 5 weeks focusing on textiles, sewing and mixed media. The women are from Sudan, Nigeria, Iraq, Syria, Turkey and Iran. They all contributed to a shared piece of art work which is proudly displayed in the centre as well as creating their own individual pieces to take home. The sessions also enable the group to develop English language skills. networks and access to further services. GemArts Cultural Threads programme continues to reiterate our knowledge that the need for culturally relevant practitioners to deliver creative projects is significant. When working wrth historically marginalised communities, rt is imperative to consider indusivity, accessibilrty, lived experience and a sense of belonging within every aspect of the project to ensure that we are meeting the cullural and personal needs of participants in relation to improving mental heafth and wellbeing. The National Centre for Creative Health (NCCH) and the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Arts, Health and Wellbeing (APPG AHW) launched the report of the Creative Health Review htt s./lncch.or .uklcre8tive-health-review on 6th December 2023 where GemArts Cuttural Threads programme is induded as a case study, in particular highlighting GemArts cufturally relevant arts practi to engage with minorTty ethnic communities. The Report highlights the potential for creative health to help tackle pressing issues in health and social care and more widely, including health inequalities and the additional challenges we face as we recover from Covid-19. As well as rnany other sessions in community settings GemArts teamed up with Gateshead Art Diamonds to deliver Emerald Explorer sessions to engage people of retirement age in creative workshops during Masala Festival including Bollywood dan with Breeze George, Mystical Tote Bag Printing with artists Mani Kambo and make your own COnrtina Books in Boxes with Michelle Wood; Registered Charity No. 1008100 Page 9 of 21
and Tapestry Workshops wrth Sajil Kaleem. We also delivered a range of African drumming workshops with musician Fanuel engaging adults and carers across Soulh Shields and Sunderland. GemArts expanded the reach and depth of our rich cultural offer for Children and Young People across the region within schools and community settings offering unparalleled access to high qualrty culturally diverse arts opportunities. Wort(ing in some of the most deprived wards in the region GemArts schools programme supported curriculum topics, diversity weeks, arts weeks, summer transition and contributed towards SMSC development. We worked wrth 30 schools (primary and secondary), delivered 166 sessions, engaged with 5645 young people and supported 8 schools across the North East to achieve and maintain Arts Mark as well as delivering creative CPD sessions with teachers in 2 primary schools. GemArts supported 10 children and young people to achieve Arts Award (Discover and Bronze). From experience, we know accessible, accredited leaming like Arts Award makes a huge difference to young people from minority ethnic communrties and starts to address the balan in attainmenl gaps. Highlights indude: Between May-June 2023 GemArts delivered a diverse range of artists residencies with the Roman Road Primary in Gateshead working with all year groups and engaging 250 young people. Emma Sheridan worked with all school years exploring collage. print making. collagraph, and painting; Fanuel delivered African Drumming; and we commissioned Andy Morley to create a new Mural on a storage container working with Year 6 pupils who have been researching and inspired by Brazilian artist Romero Britto. A celebration event was held at in July where all the art work was displayed, and young people performed with Fanuel to invrted guests, family and friends. Richard Avenue, in Sunderland is a new school and GemArts was highly recommended to them. We delivered South American percussion with David Olatunji and Tinku dan sessions with Yuvel Soria over 7 weeks to develop a performance at the end of the school year for a Carnival event wrth 120 pupils. Art teachers worked with pupils to create masks and costumes and received CPD from GemArts. The feedback from the school has been excellent and teachers commented that our artists have also engaged brilliantly with young people that have behavioural issues. Working in partnership with the South Tyneside Music Hub we have collaborated with 6 schools (one of them special school) across South Shields to deliver African drumming school assembly performances, workshops and teachers CPD engaging with 550 pupils. At Brighton Avenue Primary. Gateshead Mani Kambo worked with 6 dasses across Key Slage 2 (180 pupils) to ctrcreate an installation and banner to exhibrt at Masala Festival. We worked dosely with teachers to achieve key curriculum objectives. GemArts collaborated wrth Durham Council International Office to offer schools artists residenaes to support them to work towards gaining accreditation under the British Counal's award scheme. We have worked with 10 schools and delivered Capoeira. Steel Pans, African Drumming, World's Visual Arts and Kuchipudi dance sessions. Many of the schools are in some of the most rural parts of County Durham, very white working class wrth little or no access to cultural provision. The programme has engaged with over 1800 young people and has had fantastic feedback from schools, artists, pupils and parents. We continued to deliver Music Production and DJ'ing sessions at Woodlands PRU in Durham during temi time with music leader Adam Cogdon every Wednesday. These are one to one session with 13 young people who are SEN. In addition, music leader April 05atunji is delivering vocal, choir and piano sessions on Thursday and Friday's at Excelsior Academy wrth young people from diverse communities. GemArts flagship East by North East youth music programme has continued to engage over 200 young people each week strengthening partnerships across 6 host organisatsons (North Benwell Youth Project, Lrfe Transformational Church. Excelsior Academy. Benfield School and Side by Side) in the west and east end of Newcastle, and in Gateshead, to provide young people living in challenging circumstances from Global Majority and wider communities to participate in high quality culturally diverse music making opportunsties. Registered Charity No. 1008100 Page 10 of21
The programme is young person led and includes regular weekly music sessions. accreditation, progressions routes, sharing events and performances. In addtlion, a key element of the programme is to further diversrfy the music skills and workforce of music practrtioners in the North East and we offer CPD, training and development. We advocate the beneffts of using music to break down barriers to social change and greater communty cohesion; evidencing the personal, social and musical impact on young people's lives that the programme has had. enabling them to build their confidence and trust by sharing their musical genresftraditions, and empowering them to reassert their cultural identrty: promoting gender equality and progression routes. The lebratiOn and perforrnan event at Sage Gateshead on 1" July 2023 was a huge success, and we also had our annua5 festive sharing event in December at Life Transformation Church where all the young people performed from across the programme induding youth led MC DJ- Toby. Many of the long-tenn participants have developed into young leaders. volunteers. with 3 becoming paid artistslmusic leaders. Filip who was a young person on the project in 2015 when he was 11 years old, now 18 year he has now progressed to a paid position as a young leaderlmusician and is being mentored by Fred and Adam at NBYP. We commissioned a new film to eviden and demonstrate the musical, personal, social and organisational outcomes of EBNE htt s'.Ilwww. outube.comlwatchTr=iJ OOUU5aEA GemArts expanded our music provision to Petertee in County Durham in partnership with Creative Youth Opportunities. Music leaders Adam Cogdon and Kema Kay delivered music production, rap and lyric writing workshops for 6 weeks with young people to prevent anti-social behaviour. I n addrtion, we supported Dhol Drumming session led by music leader Rosh Landa every Friday (term lime) at Diversty Hub, Newcastle with 10 young people and 8 adutts. Our Mini Mela at Masala Festival in July and at Caedmon Hall during February ha term were both a great susS attracting children and family audien of over 900 to both,. we exlended the Mini Mela offer and programmed a full day of culturally diverse arts activrties at the Miners Picnic on 10th June at Woodhom Museums, Northumberfand engaging wth 300 new audiences. GemArts celebrated diverse cuftural and faith festival throughout the year. To celebrate Buddhas birthday artist Jayamini delivered a full day of Visak lantem making workshops on 24 April at the Oriental Museum, Durham. In November artist Emma Sheridan created Diwali Lanterns with participants for a parade at Newcastle Hindu Temple's fireworks display where over 3000 aUdIenS attended. In partnership wtth Durham Council for Chinese New Year 2024 Lip Lee and Pui Lee delivered visual arts sessions to celebrate the year of the Dragon whilst Wendy Chan demonstrated Tai Chi engaging with 3500 audiences and parts'cipants. GemArts participatory arts programme has continued to engage with diverse communities that are marginalised and least engaged, we have offered culturally relevant arts opportunities and have demonstrated the positive impact of our artistic practice in keeping people connected, creative, reducing isolation and improving their health and wellbeing al this extremely challenging time. Sector viide, GemArts has taken a leadership role in advocating the benefrts of creativity and diversrty at a strategic level. GemArts has demonstrated exemplary practice and contributed to the development needs of minorrty ethnic communities, artists, practrtioners, and leaders, enabling the organisation to achieve and maintain the highest 'Outstanding' rating from Arts Council England. We know that people from our communities, face racism and discrimination. We are an anti-racist charity. GemArts alongside reginal artists and arts organizations are leading on Culture Against Racism, a collaborative network committed to creating an anti-racist culture. and cative sector, in the North East of England. Despite many challenges, GemArts has shown exceptional leadership and is adaptable, and demonstrates resilience and innovation in working and meeting Socal, regional and national policy agendas. Our work with local authorities, educational institutions, children and adu servIs, cultural. voluntary and public sector organisab'ons, continues to strengthen the reach and long tenn impact of our Registered Charity No. 1008100 Page11 of21
work, enabling us to secure commissioning grants and funding from Irusts and foundations to meet wider strategic objectives. We would like to thank all our funders. trusts and foundations, donors, sponsors and all our partners for their generous and continued support, and all our amazing artists, volunteers, staff, partners, trustees. communFties, participants and aUdIenS for their kindness, generosity and resilience. emarts.o The trustees have considered the guidance produced by the Charity Commission on the provision of public benefrt and they confinn that public benefrt has been provided by the range of activities as described above. Financial Review: The financial position for the year shows net incoming funds of £412,845 and total outgoing reSoUrS of £300,768 with the balan from 2022-23 of £586.130 this leaves assets of £698.207 of which £395,109 are restricted funds and £170,500 are designated funds as per our reserves policy. This leaves £132,598 unrestricted funds. The Trustees consider the financial position of the organisation to be stable. Risk Management: The Trustees are examining the major risks, which the charity faces in relation to extemal factors. govemance and management, intemal operations and business. They are considering the likelihood and the impact of risks and reviewed what systems should be in place to control and reduce those risks. The systems are being designed to provide reasonable, but not absolute. assuran against material loss or misstatement of loss. Reserves Policy: 11 is the policy of the charrty to try to build up unrestricted funds, which are free reserves of the chaiity, to a level that equates to approximately 6 months expenditure plus redundancy liability which due to increased costs has increased to £170,500. This required an additional £30,000 to be transferred from the unrestricted fund to the designated fund. This will provide sufficient funds to cover redundancy liabilities. management and administration support costs and any emergencies that may arise from time to time, a designated contingency fund has been set up for this purpose. The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disdose wrth reasonable accuracy the finanoal position of the charity and which enable them to aSrtain the financial position of the chanty and which enable them to comply with applicable law. The Trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hen for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Signed on behalf of the Trustses Name Manjrt Singh Dhindsa Position Secretary Signature Date Name Angela Singh Position Treasurer Signature Date Registered Chanty No. 1008100 Page 12 of 21
Inde endent Examiners Re ort Report to the trusteeslmembers of Gateshead Visible Ethnic Minortties Support Group on Accounls for the year ended 31 March 2024 set out on pages 13-20. Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audrt is not required for this year under regulation 3(3) and section 144(2) of the 2011 Act do not apply and that an independent examination is needed. Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination; it is my responsibilrty to: Examine the financial statements under s.145 of the 2011 Act., Follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145 (5)(b) of the 2011 Act:and Stale whether particular matters have come to my attention Basis of examinef s ststsment My examination was carried out in accordan with General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of Ihe accounting records kept by the charity and comparison of the accounts presented wrth these records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees conceming any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit. and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view, and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent examinerfs statement In connection with my examination no matter has come to my attention: {1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements: to keep accounting records in accordan wrth section 130 of the 2011 Act" and to prepare accounts which agree with the accounling records and comply with the accounts'ng requirements of the 2011 Act . or (2) to which. in my opinion. attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Keith Blackett FMAAT Date Signed Registered Charity No. 1008100 Page 13 of 21
Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities For the year ended 31 March 2024 Unrestricted Designated Restrlcted Total Funds 2023-24 Total Funds 2022-23 Funds Funds Funds Note Income and Endowments from: Donations and Legacies Charitable Activities Other Trading Activities Investments Total Income and Endowments 11,060 87,976 11,060 400,772 2,077 213,641 89,997 312,796 1,013 100.049 1,013 412,845 312,796 305,715 Expenditure on: Raising Funds Charitable Activities Other reSoUrS expended Total Expenditure Income less Expenditure before transfers Transfers Total Funds brought forward Total funds carried forward 52,596 248,172 300,768 284,017 52,596 47,453 248,172 64,624 300,768 112,077 284,017 21.698 (30,000) 115,145 132.598 30,000 140,500 330,485 170.500 395,109 586,130 698,207 564,432 586,130 Registered Charity No. 1008100 Page 14 of 21
Consolidated Balance Sheet As at 31 March 2024 Total Funds 2023-24 Total Funds 2022-23 Note Current Assets Stocks and Work in Progress Debtors Investments Cash at Bank and In Hand 698,207 698,207 586,130 586,130 Total Current Assets Liabilities Creditors." Amounts falling due bwthin one year Total Cuffent Assets less Cunpnt abilItieS CltOrS.. Amounts falling due after one year Net assets orliabilrties including pension asset or liability 300 300 300 300 697,907 585,830 The Funds of the Charity.. Restricted income funds Designated Funds Unreslncted income funds TOTAL CHARITY FUNDS 395,109 170,500 132,598 698,207 330,485 140,500 115,145 586,130 Signed by one or two of the Trustees on behalf of all the Trustees." Name Manjrt Singh Dhindsa Position Secretary Signature Date Name Angela Singh Position Treasurer Signature Date Registered Charity No. 1008100 Page 15 of21
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the period to 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024 Accounting Policies Basis of Preparation Basis of Preparation These Financial Statements have been prepared in accordan with Accounting and Reporting by Charilies.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance w5th the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland {FRS 102) (effective January 2015)- CharTties SORP (FRS 102). Gateshead Visible Ethnic Minorities Support Group meets the definrtion of a public benefft entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s). Incoming Resources These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when.. the charity becomes entitled to the resources; the trustees are virtually certain they will re1ve the resources; and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability Donations are only induded in the SOFA when the charity has unconditional entitlement to the resources. Capital Grants are released over the economic useful lrfe of the asset to which they relate Resources Expended and Liabilities Resources expended have been analysed using a natural classification. Liabilrties are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligalion committing the charity to pay out reSoUrs. Taxation The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities. Registered Charity No. 1008100 Page 16 of21
Funds The Charity has 3 funds, an unrestricted general fund, a designated fund, comprising 6 months running costs and redundancy liabilities as per the reserves policy, and a restricted fund used for purchasing items of a specific: hence all movements on each fund are disdosed. Restricted Funds Fund Name Incoming ReSoUrS Outgoing Resources Balances blf Transfers Balance clf GVEMSG MEMCO and Warm Spas GVEMSG Total GEM ARTS Arts Council England - NPO Catalyst National Foundation for Youth Music Gateshead Council - ESF - CLLD Hall ACE - Culture Against Racism GMBC - Gateshead Covid Champions Programme Bluestone Collaborative - We1lNewcaseGateshead Cumbria NHS Lankelly Chase - Bridgebuilder Lankelly Chase - English Language Enquiry GMBC- Gateshead VCS Communty Health Lankelly Chase - Deaf Festival 3,051 3.051 2,225 2,225 836 836 4,440 4,440 93,550 75,688 42.102 27.044 7,770 2,817 15,324 182,208 20,000 19,089 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 (173.525) 0.00 (42.039) 0.00 0.00 (300) 0.00 102,233 95,688 19.152 27.044 7,770 2,517 15.324 4.948 0.00 0.00 4,948 29,489 20,820 2,265 0.00 58.320 12,000 (3,144) (12.952) (4,081) 26,345 66,188 10,184 5.617 10.000 (8,423) 7,194 0.00 8,954 (2.872) 6,082 GEM ARTS Total 327,434 310.571 247,336 390.669 TOTAL RESTRICTED FUNDS 330,434 312,796 248,172 395.109 Designated Funds Fund Name Incoming Resources Outgoing ReSoUrS BalanS blf Transfers Balance clf Contingency and Redundancy Liability TOTAL DESIGNATED FUNDS Unrestricted Funds Fund Name 140,500 30.000 170.500 140,500 30.000 170,500 Incoming Resources Outgoing ReSoUrS Transfers Balance clf Balances bm GVEMSG- General Fund GEM Arts- General Fund TOTAL UNRESTRICTED FUNDS 6,600 108,545 115.145 586,130 (60) 52,536 52,596 (300,786) 6,540 155,992 132,532 698.207 100,049 100,049 412,845 30,000 30,000 TOTAL FUNDS Registered Charity No. 1008100 Page 17 of 21
Purpose of Funds GVEMSG a) MEMCO transfer GemArts a) Arts Council England, National Portfolio Organisation -The grant is towards core costs and artistic programme b) Catalyst - building fundraising capacity c) National Foundation for Youth Music- The grant is for the delivery of a high qualrty participatory arts project focusing on music with children living in challenging cirCumstans. and trainingldeveloping a diverse music leader workforce d) European Social Fund: Gateshead Goes Global- The grant is for the delivery of a high quality participatory arts programme with women furthest from the labour market to make progress towards volunteering, employment, enterprise, educalion or training. e) Town Hall - for the delivery of a South Asian music and perfonnance programme Arts Council EnglandlDonations - sector supporvpartnership to deliver Culture Against Racism g) GMBC and Department of Housing. Communrties and Local Government's Community Champions Fund - Gateshead Covid Champions Programme h) Bluestone Collaborative- Well NewcastleGateshead - The grant is for the delivery of 'Hyem' high quality arts. health and wellbeing programme i) Cumbria NHS - The grant is for the delivery of Cultural Threads an arts health and wellbeing programme with NHS staff in Cumbria, Northumberfand, and Tyne and Wear j) Lankelly Chase - Bridgebuilder funding to support wages and core costs k) Lankelly Chase - to support Englsih Langauage Enquiry wrth people seeking sanctuary I) GMBC - Gateshead VCS Communtty Health - The grant is to deliver Cultural Threads arts, health and wellbeing programme in Gateshead m) Lankelly Chase - to support a Deaf Fests'val Analysis of Income and Expenditure 2023-24 Income and Endowments from: Donations and Legacies GEM ARTS Sponsorship and Donations Unrestricted Designated Restricted Total 11,IAO 11,CEO GEM ARTS Donations and Legacies Totsl 11.060 11,060 GVEMSG Box Offi Grants GVEMSG Charitable Activities Total 2,225 GEM ARTS Arts Council England - NPO National Foundation for Youth Music Lankelly Chase- Bridgebuilder Lankelly Chase- English Language Enquiry GMBC - Gateshead Community Health Lankelly Chase- Deaf Festival GEM ARTS Charitable Activities Total 202,208 19,089 58.320 12,000 10,000 8.954 310 571 202,208 19,089 58,320 12,000 10,000 310 $71 Other Incoming Resources 87,976 87,976 87,976 Total Income and Endowments Registered Charity No. 1008100 Page 18 of21
Expenditure on: Charitable Activities GVEMSG Refreshmentslcatering Bank Charges RentelephOnelln1ernet Training and Development Venue Hire Volunteer Expensesltraveinransport Community Worker wages GVEMSG Total Charitable Activities GEM Arts Artist Fees, Materials & Production Food Deliveries and Volunteer Expenses Venue & Tech Org Dev and Catalyst MarketinPFuDoC Evaluation IT and Equipment StationerylPrintinglPostage Insuran Phonellntemet Rent Expenses Wages and Pensions Payroll Admin Independent Examination of Accounts Bank Charges GEM ARTS Totsl Charitable Activities Raising Funds 60 60 60 60 52,536 88,833 4,226 6,520 3,625 8,019 141,369 4.226 6,520 3,625 8.019 1,892 255 1,116 1,892 255 1.116 2,475 1,808 127,571 526 300 62 248.172 2.475 1,808 127,571 526 300 62 300 708 52,536 Total Resources Expended 52,536 248.172 300,768 Support Costs Support Cost Type Fundraising Charitable Governance Total Cost Activity Activity Activity GVEMSG Insurance RentelephOne1InterneI Sessional Staff StationerylEquipment Training and Development Volunteer Expensesltravelhransport Community Worker wages GVEMSG Total Support Costs GEM ARTS Venue & Tech MarketinglPRIDoc Evaluation IT and Equipment StationerylPrintintyPostage Insurance Phonellntemet Expenses Wages Registered Charity No. 1008100 6,520 8,019 6.520 8,019 1,892 255 1,116 1,892 255 1,116 1,808 127,571 Page 19 of 21 127,571
Payroll Admin Independent Examination of Accounts 526 526 300 GEM ARTS Totsl Support Costs Total Support Costs 148,651 148,651 300 148,951 148,9S1 Stsff Costs Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds 2023-24 Total GVEMSG Salaries and Nl GVEMSG Total Em GEM ARTS Salaries and Nl Pension Child Care Vouchers Pa roll Fees GEM ARTS Total Em lo Total Employee Costs lo ee Costs 122,271 5,300 122,271 5,300 526 128.097 128,097 526 128.097 128,097 2023-24 Number ee Costs 3 full time and 3 part time employees These costs were for the ernployment of 3 full time and 3 part time members of staff and include Ernployerfs Nl. All other staff are casually employed tutorslfacilrtalors. No member of staff was paid remuneration of £60,000 or more. Trustees remuneration, benefit and expenses There were none during this period. Debtors There are no debtors at this time. Creditors Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds 2023-24 Total Independent Examinaiion Fee 3QXJ 300 300 300 Related Party Disclosures There were no related parties during this period. Taxation Due to the nature of its activities. the charity is exempt from lax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or s256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to rts chantable objects. Accordingly. there is no taxation charge in these accounts. Registered Charity No. 1008100 Page 20 of 21
Transfer Due to increased costs there was a requirement to transfer additional funds to the designated fund, to ensure that the reserves policy would be met. Registered Charity No. 1008100 Page 21 of 21