The Cultural Sisters Annual Report 2023 THE CULTURAL SISTERS
Celebrating 28 Years of Creativity
In 2023, The Cultural Sisters artists worked with young people on two vibrant projects for SPLAT Children’s Holiday Activities, delivering carnival arts sessions that brought joy and imagination to the community.
After a challenging few years, we made the difficult decision to close the organisation after 28 years of creativity, collaboration, and cultural impact.
We extend our deepest thanks to everyone who worked with us, supported us, and understood the importance, the impact, and the versatility of the arts and helped us share the love. Your contributions have shaped countless experiences and left a wonderful legacy.
Some lovely words from our Chair …
Chair’s Report
I was very pleased to have been re-elected as Chair at the last AGM, and it has been an honour to serve such a fine organisation for so many years.
The Cultural Sisters approach to involving people at a personal level is one I admire, it means everyone is valued whatever their skills, and we all learn massively from each other. Every time I see the work created in workshops, it inspires me, and I learn from them.
The past year has been a period of working with existing partners as well as taking the organisation into its final stages. As Chair I thank all the bodies who funded us and who were partners. I thank all the artists, and those who work with us, and especially the participants for whom The Cultural Sisters is there. Most thanks of all go to the inspirational Deborah Rogers whose work for The Cultural Sisters cannot be underestimated.
I must also thank all those who have served The Cultural Sisters in many roles over the years as Trustees and whose advice and hard work has kept us going through many phases of its existence. At this time of winding down I would also like to thank Jess, who has expertly steered the organisation to its logical conclusion.
Timothy Diggles
Chair
SPLAT Carnival Arts
The Cultural Sisters has had a long working relationship with SPLAT, a local community organisation which provides creative activities and play for children. Their founder, Tabby Mansha, did a Carnival Arts workshop with The Cultural Sisters when she was a teenager. The children made a huge variety of Carnival Masks and Wands, often freely experimenting by customising the templates we brought or making their own completely. While cutting out the materials always provided a challenge for dexterity, it also brings its own sense of accomplishment. In 2023 we provided two drop-in sessions in April with approximately 10 to 12 children in each session .
Finances 2023
Total Income : £901.00 Total Expenditure : £6,196.82 Net Movement in Funds : (£5,295.82) Closing Balance : £25.00 Previous Year Closing Balance : £5,320.82 Report Date : 31st March 2024
We are very grateful for the help we get from our bookkeeper Kathy Lovatt, Jess Byron who manages our invoicing and Lynne Ball who audits our accounts, they all ensure our finances are kept in order.
A full set of accounts can be viewed on application to The Cultural Sisters via Theculturalsistersheritage@gmail.com