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2023-03-31-accounts

Prism Arts CIO

Registration number: 1159797 Annual Report and Financial Statements

31 March 2023

Prism Arts CIO

Contents

Reference and Administrative Details 1
Trustees' report 2
Trustees' responsibilities 26
Independent examiner's report 27
Statement of financial activities 28
Balance sheet 29
Notes to the financial statements 30

Prism Arts CIO

Reference and Administrative Details

Charity name Prism Arts CIO
Charity registration number 1159797
Principal office The Old Methodist Hall
5 Market Street
CARLISLE
CA3 8QJ
Registered office The Old Methodist Hall
5 Market Street
CARLISLE
CA3 8QJ
Trustees J Cobbold, Chair (Resigned 14 July 2022)
L Telford (Resigned 14 July 2022)
A Lynch (Resigned 14 July 2022)
S Ghafoor (Resigned 14 July 2022)
S Smith
V Walden
I Chapman, Chair
J Gilbert (Appointment 26 January 2023)
T Hayes (Appointed 24 November 2022)
S McGrath (Appointed 14 July 2022)
Solicitor Burnetts
6 Victoria Place
CARLISLE
CA1 1ES
Accountant Dodd & Co Limited
FIFTEEN Rosehill
Montgomery Way
Rosehill Estate
CARLISLE
CA1 2RW
Bankers CAF Bank Ltd
25 Kings Avenue
Kings Hill
WEST MALLING
ME19 4JQ
Cumberland Building Society
Cumberland House
Cooper Way
Parkhouse
CARLISLE Page 1
CA3 0JF

Prism Arts CIO

Trustees’ Report for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

1. STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

1.1 Governing Document

Prism Arts is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). The charity was established by a trust deed dated 10th January 1992 and is governed by its constitution dated 26th March 1992 and addendum dated June 1996. The charity was re-registered as a CIO with the Charity Commission under the charity number 1159797 on 6 January 2015.

1.2 Recruitment/Induction and Training of Trustees

Prism Arts works to ensure that the charity is supported by a board of trustees with expertise, knowledge, and experience. Excellence and inclusivity governance has been embedded as a key priority within our updated Prism Arts Business Plan 2022 - 2024, with KPIs and targets designed to support our development in this area.

Developing an inclusive Board: We developed our Advisory Group in 2022. The Advisory Group includes people with learning disabilities and autism, artists, and staff. The purpose of this group is to develop inclusion in governance.

Recruitment: Prism Arts operates an open recruitment process. However, in 2022 we launched a recruitment programme. We updated our webpages, created a new application pack, with large print options. We circulated the opportunity via social media, press and Arts Jobs. Prospective trustees applied with a personal statement (written or recorded). Prospective trustees were invited to meet the Chair and Director. If the candidate remained of interest the Chair invited the prospective trustee to attend a Board meeting as an observer. Once trustee(s) met the Chair and attended a Board meeting, and both parties agreed, prospective trustees were invited to become full members at the following Board meeting or AGM.

Inclusion: Prism Arts recognises that we need to develop a more diverse board. Following the revision of our Business Plan, we have a clear plan in place that has been developed in 2022/23 and monitored via SMART Targets and Board KPIs. Trustee recruitment has developed in 2022 as a more inclusive process, including open advertising, easy read documents, and some targeted approaches to address skills and diversity gaps. Our Advisory Group continue to support this process. Our Participant Support Lead, funded by the Community Fund, will continue to support this work.

Induction: New trustees receive an induction pack including a copy of the Business Plan, Trustee Registration Form and Diversity Monitoring Form, Skills Audit, Constitution, Board Rules, recent board papers, and a copy of the Essential Trustee (Charity Commission). Trustees are invited to events, exhibitions, and workshops. Trustees are also invited to engage in training opportunities and Away Day sessions, often alongside staff. Our Communications Lead is completing Easy Read training and we aim to have all documents available in this format by 2023/24.

2022/23: Following a recruitment project in the Autumn, 2 new trustees joined the board. 4 Trustees stepped down from the board at the 2022 AGM, having come to the end of their trustee terms.

Trustee meetings continue to be held via Teams, with papers circulated via Google Docs.

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Trustees’ Report for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

1.3 Organisational Structure 2022/23

The Board met quarterly (4 meetings). Trustees were responsible for overseeing strategic direction, finance, risk management, performance measurement, funding requirements, safeguarding and policies. The Director reported to trustees at board meetings and continued to be a non-voting member of the Board. The Director set out the in-year operational strategy in response to key areas of risk including the cost-of-living crisis, and business priorities and was responsible for the day-to-day management of the charity. The Finance Manager attends board meetings to present quarterly accounts and finance reports. In 2022/23 a new post was created, Creative Programme Director. This post also attends board meetings to report on creative programme strategy and development.

Trustees maintain oversight of, HR, health and safety, inclusion, performance, and environmental sustainability, safeguarding and relationships with key funders and stakeholders. The Director is responsible for developing the Prism Arts Business Plan including working with the board to agree SMART targets, Key Performance Indicators, and finance targets 2022/23. All members of the Senior Management Team attend board meetings, delivering reports, and presenting progress.

1.4 Risk Management

Key Areas of Risk 2022/23:

  1. External financial risk: Cost of Living Crisis and post pandemic recovery: Action Taken: Trustees allocated funds to Cause4 to deliver our Fundraising Strategy. £35,000 income was secured.

  2. Cost of living crisis and post pandemic recovery: Wellbeing of participants and core clients. Action Taken: Prism Arts expanded face to face delivery, maintained contact with individuals, families, and carers. The charity also commissioned specific projects to engage and support new people. Led by the Participant Support Lead and funded by National Lottery Community Fund

  3. Trustee Recruitment:

  4. Action Taken: A trustee recruitment plan was implemented Autumn 22. As a consequence, 2 new trustees were recruited to the board.

  5. Capacity and Resources. Following our restructure in 2021, we commissioned a staff evaluation to review capacity and HR processes. This identified staff were happy in the new roles, however the study flagged a gap in capacity at leadership level. This has now been addressed by creating a new Creative Director role. Consultancy support underpins strategic and specialist areas of work: HR, Project Management, Fundraising and freelance artists.

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Trustees’ Report for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

  1. Staff recruitment and retention: A challenge to recruit specialist staff to key roles, loss of key staff. Action Taken:

  2. Continued implementation of appraisals and supervision model to ensure staff wellbeing and CPD.

  3. Reviewing recruitment paperwork to attract more applications. Creating more inclusive job descriptions.

  4. Developing clear pay scales and staff benefits to encourage applications to new roles.

1.5 Related Parties

Key Partners

We worked with several key strategic partners across our activity, including (but not limited to) the following:

Arts organisations and Museums

Specialist Organisations

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Trustees’ Report for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

Local Authorities

Educational Partners

We work with educational partners including schools, colleges, and universities as well as those that specialise in supporting children with special educational needs, to engage new participants for our regular programmes and to shape the design of future activities in line with the needs of young people.

Networks

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Prism Arts CIO

Trustees’ Report for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

2. FINANCIAL REVIEW

2.1 Investment Policy

Prism Arts invests funds (restricted and unrestricted) to meet charitable objectives. The Trustees have the power to invest in such assets as they see fit, in line with the charitable objectives and a responsibility to due care and diligence.

2.2 Reserves Policy Reviewed and approved AGM 2022

Prism Arts reserves consist of that part of its unrestricted funds that is freely available to spend on any of the charity’s purposes. They are held to help the charity operate effectively.

Prism Arts will hold reserves equal to between 3 and 6 months of its expected expenditure in a year as shown in the Budget and by quarterly financial reports. These reserves are intended to:

The Trustees monitor the level of reserves quarterly to both ensure that they are maintained in line with the above and to identify reasons for fluctuations which indicate that reserves will exceed or not meet the required level. If reserves during the year are below target or exceed target, the trustees will consider whether this is due to a short-term situation or a longer-term issue. In the case of the latter, action will be taken to replenish or spend reserves.

We will monitor the level of reserves at every board meeting (on a quarterly basis). At present, the reserves are for the most part held in working capital and an investment bank account.

Trustees review the reserve policy annually. A financial position and cash in bank update are provided quarterly at board meetings.

Trustees designated reserves were £67,714 in line with the reserve policy.

2.3 Principal income and funding sources 2022/23 (in order of value)

Arts Council England NPO and Project Grants £72,891
Direct Payments income £54,604
National Lottery Community Fund £34,298
Other grants (fundraising strategy) £25,500
Esmee Fairburn Foundation £16,269
Commissions income £14,169

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Prism Arts CIO

Trustees’ Report for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

Carlisle City Council £11,356
Cumbria County Council £11,000
Donations £1,489

COVID-19/ Cost of Living Crisis: The charity has rebalanced financially following the pandemic. However, earned income has gradually rebuilt as Direct Payments income for Studio Programme workshops increased across the year. Commissioned income also increased over the financial year. Both income strands have now reached pre pandemic levels. The Fundraising Strategy action plan secured £25,000 income from trusts with a further £9,879 from the Backstage Trust carried into next financial year. Fundraising was impacted by the cost of living crisis with many trusts redirecting funding to those most in need. Funds secured from Carlisle City Council through Shared Prosperity Funding provided critical funds.

3. OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

To develop and strengthen the charity following the pandemic we completed the following:

We continued to strengthen internal practices and processes:

We reviewed our Business Plan, embedding SMART Targets that address: We monitored SMART Targets at quarterly board meetings.

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Trustees’ Report for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

4.PUBLIC BENEFIT: In 2022/23 we met our Charitable Objectives

Our Charitable Objectives (CIO):

Prism Arts activities and programme continued to span visual and performing arts, working to engage people with additional learning needs, older people, and younger people.

In 2022/23 we achieved public benefit through our two main strands of its work.

Studio Programme: Prism Arts Studio Programme comprises of weekly workshops in visual arts and theatre in Carlisle and on the West Coast. These ongoing programmes allow for skills development and the creative progression of participants. This programme has fully returned to a face-to-face service. In 22/23 Studio Programme expanded to 3 days a week. By the end of the year the new Studio Focus Day was fully subscribed. Studio Programme artists were commissioned to produce new work for the following:

Projects: Prism Arts also worked in partnership with local organisations to offer specific projects that engage different or new audiences. Including SEND schools, arts organisations, museums, colleges, universities, and charities.

We engaged 3 core audiences:

Location of our work:

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Trustees’ Report for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

Advisory Board:

A group of 6 people with LDA attended 3 trips and visits to other disability arts charities to meet peers and explore how other charities work. This work is forming the basis of our emerging Advisory Board.

Staff Training:

Marketing and Comms:

Cause4 worked with Prism Arts to create a new Marketing Plan for the charity. The resulting action plan has been in place since Autumn 2022. A new Communications Lead is now in post and delivering the action plan very effectively. Cause4 are continuing to offer mentoring support. In 23/24 a new Audience Development plan will underpin the Marketing Strategy.

A very positive year, with a new Communications Lead in post achieving significant improvements to the website and an uplift in social media traffic.

Headline Data: 2022/23

In 2022/23 our impact returned to pre pandemic levels.

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Trustees’ Report for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

5. THE TRUSTEE REPORT: ACTIVITY

Core Programme

Young People

Projects

Exhibitions, Events and Trips

Case Studies

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Prism Arts CIO

Trustees’ Report for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

CORE PROGRAMME

Studio Arts

Studio Arts is our weekly fine arts programme for adults with learning disability and/ or autism. These are highlights from the studio in the last year.

Custodians of Nature Exhibition

“We must learn to live with nature, not destroy it.”

Custodians of Nature was an exhibition created by artist collective Studio Arts that was on show at Dove Cottage in the month of August 2022. This exhibition showcased charming characters, a kaleidoscope of colour and rich artistic expression, with the aim to immerse you in nature and explore the question, are you a responsible custodian of nature?

Studio Arts researched traditional photography, etching and printmaking prints in session to inform their work. The exhibition was seen by 7,128 people.

Rest Under the Stars

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Trustees’ Report for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

In the summer of 2022, Studio Arts worked with Carlisle Cathedral to transform the space between the medieval Canons’ stalls into a place of rest and relaxation. The artists created textile patterns inspired by the space which adorned a variety of seating areas. They also worked with sound artist Tim Shaw throughout a course of sound-art workshops to create a unique soundscape which people experienced while relaxing. The installation was experienced by 1099 people from across the UK to much enjoyment.

Interesting Kaleidoscope

On the last Monday before Christmas break 2022, Studio Arts displayed their work from Autumn term throughout the studio spaces of the Methodist Hall in their 2nd annual Christmas showcase entitled by the group “Interesting Kaleidoscope – Diverse Art from the Team”. Family and friends were invited for this sharing event and Christmas party!

Shift Conversations

We are thrilled to share that Prism Artist Jonathan “Jyma” Harkins is part of the nationwide project SHIFT! SHIFT exists to give recognition to and amplify the voices and works of learning disabled and neurodivergent artists and makers across the UK.

This project provides artists with a space to share their views around being creative and their experiences of the contemporary art world and how they are portrayed and treated.

Jyma was interviewed by Jennifer Gilbert of the Jennifer Lauren gallery as part of their conversation’s series about disability rights, Christian art and how he would like to be known in the art world. You can watch this interview on the SHIFT website: https://www.shift.jenniferlaurengallery.com/jymaconversation

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Trustees’ Report for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

Studio Focus

Studio Focus is our weekly applied arts programme for adults with learning disability and/ or autism. These are highlights from the studio in the last year.

Rebuild Site Project

Studio Focus kicked off their first academic year together by taking on a challenge by Rebuild Site, a local social enterprise with the goal to create a sustainable construction industry. They provided us with building materials that the group assembled into a large sculpture, The Tap , which will be displayed in their building.

Disability Voices

The group then collaborated with Healthwatch Cumbria for Disability Voices, a project by People First which aims to help champion views about health and social care who are currently running a large-scale survey of living with disabilities in Cumbria.

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Trustees’ Report for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

Studio Focus created a collection of textile banners to celebrate their identities and lifestyles as part of their response to the project. During the organisation’s autumn conference Healthwatch Cumbria will share the survey results and the group will exhibit their identity banners as well as get the chance to talk about their work.

Studio Theatre

Studio Theatre is our weekly performing arts programme for adults with learning disability and/ or autism. These are highlights from the studio in the last year.

Ghost Stories

Stefan Escreet of Ragged Edge Productions has been leading Studio Theatre this academic year with a focus on inclusive methods of storytelling for those with communication barriers.

These have included audio drama in the form of ghost stories, devised and performed by the performers using microphones. The ghost stories were inspired by the haunting architecture of the Church building that Prism Arts is based in. The ghost stories were listened to by an audience of family and friends of the performers at the end of the autumn block to much enjoyment.

Trestle Masks

Other inclusive methods of storytelling have included the use of trestle masks from Trestle Theatre, an inclusive performing arts company that have popularised the use of the masks within neurodivergent spaces.

By performing wearing the exaggerated expressions, the performers tell stories using their body language. This allows those who have verbal communication difficulties the chance to act the story where they might struggle to verbalise it.

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Trustees’ Report for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

Paradise Gardens

Paradise Gardens was a short play devised by the group which explored a range of original characters and their experience in the idyllic setting of Paradise Gardens. Things change when a new housing development threatens the town’s harmony, and the locals organise a protest. This story was completely devised by the group through improv, which was then refined over the course of a block to create a short play which was performed in front of family and friends of the performers.

Young People with Disabilities and Autism

James Rennie SEND school: Exploring Identity

Our commissioned programme of work for James Rennie SEND School has had a brilliant second year run with each term bringing a new cohort of students to work with. The group have been led by a series of local, freelance artists such as Martin Evans, Mark Gibbs and Di McGhee to explore new mediums, as well as the concept of identity. As the students will be graduating from James Rennie Sixth Form at the end of the academic year, this topic was chosen to support them as they choose their next steps out of education.

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Trustees’ Report for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

West Lakes College: Enrichment Course

Lakes College in Workington commissioned us to run a pilot series of workshops to aid personal progression and develop creativity for their SEN students. Our Lead Artists have delivered sessions in audio storytelling and stop motion animation. The Knotted Project also led a six-week block with a new group looking at co-devising drama. This pilot has been massively successful, and Lakes College have expressed an interest in another 12-week commissioned enrichment block for their students in the 2023 – 24 academic year.

Outreach Workshops

As part of an effort to expand our reach towards young people in Cumbria, we have invited two local schools, one college, and three community groups into our space to take part in free creative workshops. This has strengthened the relationship we have with these organisations. We have been able to have conversations about ways in which we could continue working together and developing our relationship further.

Projects & Commissions

Volunteering and Career Development

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Trustees’ Report for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

We have continued to support LDA (Learning Disabled and/ or Autistic) people to volunteer with other cultural organisations and have supported a county-wide project to engage with LDA individuals as volunteers. We have worked collaboratively to increase the number of volunteers supporting Prism Arts with help from our partner Helping Hands, an organisation which offers support for volunteers in Cumbria.

Volunteering and career development opportunities for people with LDA in Cumbria:

Transforming Leadership

This year we have been developing our partnership towards a national project lead by Access All Areas, an inclusive theatre company in London. Transforming Leadership will support the development of inclusive governance and inclusive delivery within Prism Arts. It will also help cement our relationship with Theatre by the Lake as a practical partner which will result in opportunities for our artists. Transforming Leadership will also influence our developing advisory group enabling the artists to put their training into action. Prism Artists Michael Shepherd and Catherine Quilter have agreed to take on the roles of trainee trustee and trainee co-director respectively and have been undertaking mentorship sessions at Prism Arts in preparation for the projects launch in the Summer of 2023.

West Coast Feasibility Study

Following the research project we completed in 2022, we have now received further funding to undertake a more in-depth feasibility study to look at the need in West Cumbria for people with LDA. The research project last year focused on school engagement – this time we will work closely with colleges and community groups to identify needs. Our learning will inform potential future expansions to our work.

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Trustees’ Report for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

Events

Step Up Step Forward: A Symposium Event

In July 2022, Prism Arts hosted Step Up Step Forward, a first of its kind symposium event to explore how learning disabled and autistic artists can enjoy access to learning opportunities and develop as artists in higher education settings.

Funded by the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, This two-day event was the culmination of a 2 year project exploring opportunities for LDA people to access higher education opportunities. It was held at the University of Cumbria Brampton Road Campus. The first day was open to the public and consisted of active sharing activities, workshops and presentations by artists. The second day was a roundtable discussion of LDA inclusion in higher education settings with LDA organisations and HE institutes present.

Picture of Me Showcase

In June 2022, Prism Arts invited guests to our studio to celebrate the outcomes of the Picture of Me project.

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Trustees’ Report for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

The project enabled us to pilot a new way of working with the aim of putting the voices of learning disabled and/ or autistic people at the centre of creative approach, enabling participants to discover and share their own story.

We shared the artwork, films and stories of the participating artists at this showcase event with friends, family and stakeholders including the Mayor, Councillor Mike Mitchelson and the Mayoress, Mrs Anne Mitchelson, in attendance.

Harvey Tye: Solo Art Exhibition

On Monday 17th October 2023, local creatives and community leaders, as well as friends and family of the artist, gathered to enjoy Harvey Tye’s stunning retrospective collection of work in Carlisle Cathedral. Guests heard speeches by the Right Worshipful Mayor of Carlisle Mike Mitchelson, Revd Canon Dr Benjamin Carter and Visual Lead Artist Katie Lock, celebrating the official opening of the exhibition as well as congratulating the artist on his fantastic creative output over the past decade.

The exhibition in Carlisle Cathedral was a tremendous success with Harvey’s prints available. Over 2000 people visited the exhibition in Carlisle.

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Trustees’ Report for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

Hadrian’s Wall 1900 Festival with Morag Myerscough

In celebration of Hadrian’s Wall’s 1900th anniversary, English Heritage has installed a contemporary and colourful take on the original Roman gatehouse at Housesteads Roman Fort – one of the Wall’s best preserved and most important sites.

Created by renowned artist, Morag Myerscough and the local community the temporary installation – called ‘The Future Belongs To What Was As Much As What Is’ – stands in the exact spot that the north gatehouse at Housesteads once stood. The colourful re-imagining of the gatehouse echoes the original building in size and as visitors can climb to the top, the installation opens up views of the ancient landscape, last seen by Roman soldiers 1600 years ago.

Prism Arts were asked, alongside other community groups, to design and create boards to be installed in this fabulous installation. These were done over two workshop sessions at Housesteads Roman Fort.

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Trustees’ Report for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

Case Studies

Emma “Prism Arts has been life-changing for Emma”

Read Emma’s story of how Prism Arts helped her develop confidence after lockdown, and a “deep sense of pride that hadn’t been there before”

Emma, 42, is a Prism Artist who began her journey with us not too long ago in September 2021. Prior to Prism Arts Emma’s mum, Claire, shared with us some of the hardships Emma faced:

“She had been in lockdown for a very long time, and it had been very difficult for her as she doesn’t cope well with changes.

When she was offered a space at Prism Arts, it came at a very good time for her. Emma was delighted to start at Prism Arts and enjoyed it from the start. She thrives on being given achievable challenges.”

Emma began attending Studio Theatre every Friday. Very quickly, she became a much-loved member of the group, showing off her wonderful sense of humour and warm personality.

During sessions, she delved into her creative self in a way she never had before, developing her dancing, singing, acting and storytelling skills. Emma explains:

“I get a lot of pleasure making things and taking part in performances. I learn a lot of new things. I like to talk about what I am doing at Prism Arts. I like it when family and carers are invited to see my work – this makes me proud and boosts my confidence.

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Trustees’ Report for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

Prism Arts is exciting and makes me feel happy. I have friends at Prism Arts and we laugh”

“I have learned that I am good at art, and that I enjoy art very much.”

After such a positive first year in 2022, Emma was keen to begin to try more at Prism Arts. So when we launched Studio Focus, another visual arts day, Emma jumped at the chance! Now on Thursdays, she is able to develop her art skills, creating gorgeous textile pieces, sculptures and paintings.

“I was happy to cancel my college group and attend Prism Arts (on Thursdays). I enjoy all of the activities I do at Prism Arts. There is always something of interest to everyone.

I have learned that I am good at art, and that I enjoy art very much. Recently I have taken up crafts such as knitting and sewing”

“I have seen massive changes in Emma since being at Prism Arts”

Claire has noticed a difference in Emma since attending on Thursdays and Fridays:

“I have seen massive changes in Emma since being at Prism Arts. Her physical skills have been improved greatly. Her painting, sewing and knitting etc are now very good.

But most important changes have been in the growth in her self-confidence, the pride she takes in the work she produces and her ability to make choices and not to repeat the last option prescribed to her.

Emma likes to do things herself as far as she is able, although her capabilities are very limited. The Prism Arts staff have helped her produce her own work. Their assistance for her to achieve has been brilliant. She has a deep sense of pride that wasn’t there before. She has loved being part of fashion shows, being a ghost, spray painting, audio groups, singing groups, the Hadrian’s Wall project, to name a few.

These changes have come about because of the staff she works with.”

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Claire also shared with us her hopes for Emma going forward:

“My hopes for Emma are that she continues to grow in self- confidence, enjoying working in teams and being willing to give anything new a go because she knows she will receive the help for her to do it herself. Prism Arts has been life changing for Emma.”

Michael: “Prism Arts has made Michael more confident to speak out and communicate with others”

Read Michael’s story of how his confidence, social relationships and creative opportunities have grown since joining Prism Arts, told by Michael Shepherd and his parents.

Michael Shepherd has worked with Prism Arts for over 5 years in projects around Cumbria, and even took part in our bespoke lockdown zoom sessions to continue his work despite restrictions.

“Before joining the Prism group he was restricted by meeting with other young people of a similar age and ability” – Mr & Mrs Shepherd

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It wasn’t until 2022, however, that he formally joined the arts collective Studio Focus in Carlisle. Since attending, Michael has enjoyed having so many creative opportunities to choose from:

“I like doing drawings, sketching, and making films and all the work at Carlisle. I like going on all the trips and learning new things. Including the visit to Merz Barn and Hadrian’s Wall” – Michael

Mr & Mrs Shepherd also noticed how enjoyable Michael has found his experience:

“Prism arts provided an opportunity for Michael to enjoy the different forms of art in a warm friendly atmosphere. It has given Michael the chance to interact with his peers and staff in a subject that he is able to contribute with.

Michael looks forward to the sessions and is keen to go as many times as it is available.”

Michael has enjoyed the social aspect of Prism Arts from his years with us and has enjoyed making new connections and maintaining old ones. He explains:

“I like meeting new friends there and talking about what we are doing now and into the future. I still enjoy speaking with all my friends at Distington and now in Carlisle” – Michael

“Prism Arts has made Michael more confident to speak out and communicate with others in a group that he enjoys in a pleasant and rewarding atmosphere. Michael embraces all aspects of the group enthusiastically and accepts each member as a friend and a colleague and accepts them all equally which must be driven from those at the helm of the organisation.” – Mr & Mrs Shepherd

Michael is an extremely creative and focussed individual. He is a huge fan of all things railways, he is a keen model maker, and spends his spare time creating his own films depicting stories and narratives about trains which he posts on YouTube channel, “Shepper Studios Productions”. He currently has 4k subscribers to his channel.

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“The confidence Michael has gained has allowed him to create his own videos, gain new skills in an application which has given him the confidence to do more. The knowledge and experience he has achieved is the conduit for more of the same, so who knows what he could achieve!” – Mr & Mrs Shepherd

Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

………………………………………..

I Chapman, Chair Trustee Date:………………………………..

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Trustees' Responsibilities in relation to the Financial Statements

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards.

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations and the provisions of the trust deed. They are responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

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Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of

Prism Arts CIO

I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2023, which are set out on pages 28 to 39.

Your attention is to drawn to the fact that the Charity has prepared the financial statements in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has since been withdrawn.

We understand that this has been done in order for the accounts to provide a true and fair view in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The Charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiner's report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning 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 examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

have not been met; or

......................................... Joanne Thomlinson FCA Dodd & Co Limited Chartered Accountants Date:................................

FIFTEEN Rosehill Montgomery Way Rosehill Estate CARLISLE CA1 2RW

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Prism Arts CIO

Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Total Funds Total Funds
Funds Funds 2023 2022
Note £ £ £ £
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies 2 101,114 69,909 171,023 228,504
Investments 3 1,478 - 1,478 221
Charitable activities 4 68,079 694 68,773 35,374
Total income 170,671 70,603 241,274 264,099
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities 167,871 70,603 238,474 249,490
Total expenditure 167,871 70,603 238,474 249,490
Net incoming resources before transfers 2,800 - 2,800 14,609
Transfers
Gross transfers between funds - - - -
Net movements in funds 2,800 - 2,800 14,609
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 212,003 - 212,003 197,394
Total funds carried forward 214,803 - 214,803 212,003

The notes on pages 30 to 39 form an integral part of these financial statements.

Page 28

Prism Arts CIO

Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2023

2023 2023 2022 2022
Note £ £ £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 11 10,295 13,095
Current assets
Debtors 12 10,636 4,806
Cash at bank and in hand 210,931 218,788
221,567 223,594
Creditors: Amounts falling due within
one year		 13 (17,059) (24,686)
Net current assets 204,508 198,908
Net assets 214,803 212,003
The funds of the charity:
Restricted funds - -
Unrestricted funds
Unrestricted income funds 214,803 212,003
Total charity funds 214,803 212,003

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

Approved by the Board on ................... and signed on its behalf by:

.........................................

I Chapman, Chair Trustee

The notes on pages 30 to 39 form an integral part of these financial statements.

Page 29

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

Prism Arts CIO

1 Accounting policies

Statement of compliance

The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the second edition of the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.

The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared to give a ‘true and fair’ view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a ‘true and fair view’. This departure has involved following Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities:Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.

Basis of preparation

The charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes.

Going concern

These financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.

Fund accounting policy

Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the trustees' discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity.

Designated funds are unrestricted funds set aside at the discretion of the trustees for specific purposes.

Further details of each fund are disclosed in note 17.

Income and endowments

Donations and legacies including donations, legacies and grants that provide core funding or are of a general nature are recognised where there is entitlement, probability of receipt and the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability.

Income from Government and other grants, whether ‘capital’ grants or ‘revenue’ grants, is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred.

Investment income is recognised on a receivable basis.

Income received to fund projects is recognised as the project takes place. Project funding received in advance of a project taking place is deferred in the accounts. The trustees consider that although this may not be strictly in line with the SORP, this departure is necessary in order to ensure that the accounts show a true and fair view of the charity's affairs. Details of deferred income is provided in note 13 of the accounts.

Page 30

Prism Arts CIO

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

......... continued

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to the expenditure. All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category.

Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.

Support costs

Support costs include central functions and have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources, for example, allocating property costs by floor areas, or per capita, staff costs by the time spent and other costs by their usage.

Fixed assets

Individual fixed assets costing £100 or more are initially recorded at cost.

Depreciation

Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets so as to write off the cost or valuation, less any estimated residual value, over their expected useful economic life as follows:

Fixtures, fittings and equipment

15% reducing balance basis

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.

Operating leases

Rentals payable under operating leases are charged in the statement of financial activities on a straight line basis over the lease term.

Pensions

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions are charged in the statement of financial activities as they become payable in accordance with the rules of the scheme.

Page 31

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

Prism Arts CIO

......... continued

2 Donations and legacies

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Total Funds Total Funds
Funds Funds 2023 2022
£ £ £ £
Donations and legacies
Appeals and donations 1,379 110 1,489 4,056
Grants
Carlisle City Council 11,356 - 11,356 8,000
Arts Council England NW 55,659 17,232 72,891 106,352
HLF (2,780) - (2,780) 41,885
Other grants 25,500 34,298 59,798 -
Children In Need - - - 6,841
Esme Fairburn Foundation - 16,269 16,269 11,127
Big Lottery - - - 39,243
Cumbria County Council 10,000 1,000 11,000 10,000
Cumbria Community Foundation - 1,000 1,000 -
Littoral Arts Trust - - - 1,000
99,735 69,799 169,534 224,448
101,114 69,909 171,023 228,504

Of the donations and legacies income in 2022, £181,313 related to unrestricted funds and £47,191 related to restricted funds.

3 Investments

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Total Funds Total Funds
Funds Funds 2023 2022
£ £ £ £
Interest on cash deposits 1,478 - 1,478 221

All of the investment income in 2022 related to unrestricted funds.

4 Charitable activities

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Total Funds Total Funds
Funds Funds 2023 2022
£ £ £ £
Charitable activities
Commissions 14,169 - 14,169 4,900
Studio Programme 53,910 694 54,604 30,474
68,079 694 68,773 35,374

Page 32

Prism Arts CIO

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

......... continued

All of the income from charitable activities in 2022 related to unrestricted funds.

5 Total resources expended

Prism Arts Commission Studio
Programme		 Total
2023		 Total
2022
£ £ £ £ £
Direct costs
Artist fees 15,395 6,387 7,500 29,282 48,208
Artist materials 2,163 556 1,428 4,147 3,774
Artist and participant travel 1,292 - 687 1,979 538
Equipment 511 238 141 890 413
(Profit)/loss on disposal of
tangible fixed assets		 3,337 - - 3,337 -
Employment costs 4,411 3,969 37,043 45,423 53,777
Venue hire - - - - 273
Publicity costs 5,435 - - 5,435 5,308
Sundry expenses 67 - - 67 13
Travel and subsistence 724 - 252 976 1,580
33,335 11,150 47,051 91,536 113,884
Support costs
Employment costs 89,154 - - 89,154 79,065
Staff training 2,381 - - 2,381 960
Rent and utilities 24,881 - - 24,881 23,904
Insurance 1,322 - - 1,322 1,090
Telephone and internet 4,053 - - 4,053 4,392
Office expenses 17,660 - - 17,660 19,508
Trade subscriptions 640 - - 640 146
Sundry expenses 1,418 - - 1,418 743
Cost of trustee meetings 40 - - 40 38
Accountancy fees 1,990 - - 1,990 1,996
Payroll costs 744 - - 744 876
Independent examiner's fee 650 - - 650 650
Bank charges 72 - - 72 96
Depreciation of plant and
machinery		 1,933
146,938		 -
-		 -
-		 1,933
146,938		 2,142
135,606
180,273 11,150 47,051 238,474 249,490

Of the expenditure in 2022, £177,770 related to unrestricted funds and £71,720 related to restricted funds.

Page 33

Prism Arts CIO

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

......... continued

6 Governance costs

2023 2022
£ £
Cost of trustee meetings 40 38
Accountancy fees 1,990 1,996
Independent examiner's fee 650 650
Payroll costs 744 876
3,424 3,560

7 Trustees' remuneration and expenses

No trustees received remuneration or expenses during the year.

8 Net incoming resources

Net incoming resources is stated after charging:

2023 2022
£ £
Loss/(profit) on disposal of tangible fixed assets 3,337 -
Depreciation of owned assets 1,933 2,142

9 Employees' remuneration

The monthly average number of persons (including senior management) employed by the charity during the year was as follows:

2023 2022
No. No.
Charitable activities 8 10
The aggregate payroll costs of these persons were as follows:
2023 2022
£ £
Wages and salaries 129,208 127,933
Social security 2,844 2,697
Other pension costs 2,525 2,212
134,577 132,842

No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000 during the year.

Page 34

Prism Arts CIO

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

......... continued

10 Taxation

The registered charity is exempt from taxation on income and gains.

11 Tangible fixed assets

Fixtures,
fittings and
equipment
£
Cost
As at 1 April 2022 20,934
Additions 2,470
Disposals (5,852)
As at 31 March 2023 17,552
Depreciation
As at 1 April 2022 7,839
Eliminated on disposals (2,515)
Charge for the year 1,933
As at 31 March 2023 7,257
Net book value
As at 31 March 2023 10,295
As at 31 March 2022 13,095
12 Debtors
2023 2022
£ £
Trade debtors 10,636 4,806
13 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
2023 2022
£ £
Accruals and deferred income 17,059 24,686

Page 35

Prism Arts CIO

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

......... continued

14 Operating lease commitments

As at 31 March 2023 the charity had total future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases as follows:

Land and Buildings Land and Buildings Land and Buildings
2023 2022
£ £
Within one year 15,000 15,000
Within two and five years - 15,000
15,000 30,000

15 Pension scheme

Defined contribution pension scheme

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The pension cost charge for the period represents contributions payable by the charity to the scheme and amounted to £2,525 (2022 - £2,212).

There were no outstanding or prepaid contributions at either the beginning or end of the financial year.

16 Related parties

Controlling entity

The charity is controlled by the trustees.

Page 36

Prism Arts CIO

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

......... continued

17 Analysis of funds

At 1 April Incoming Resources At 31 March
2022 resources expended 2023
£ £ £ £
Designated Funds
Designated funds 67,714 - - 67,714
General Funds
General funds 110,163 102,745 (109,670) 103,238
Training 11,090 - - 11,090
Commissions 23,036 13,884 (11,150) 25,770
Studio Programme - 54,042 (47,051) 6,991
144,289 170,671 (167,871) 147,089
Restricted Funds
Esme Fairburn - 18,963 (18,963) -
Story Crafting - 17,274 (17,274) -
Lottery Community Fund - 34,366 (34,366) -
Backstage Trust - - - -
- 70,603 (70,603) -
212,003 241,274 (238,474) 214,803

Esme Fairburn: A progression project enabling Prism Arts to deepen our work with Studio Programme members enabling a cohort of people individual progression and development as artists. Working in partnership with the University of Cumbria Fine Art Dept. the project will enable emerging artists to access University facilities and expertise. The project will also work with students, developing new diverse collaborations and partnerships. The project will be funded for 2 years ending with a national seminar celebrating our learning and setting out a future programme of work.

Story Crafting: We would like to investigate and test a sustainable model of digital engagement for adults with learning disabilities or autism across Cumbria. We will do this through a focus on creative story making that facilitates a process of people telling the story of themselves and provides the content for three distinct strands which are: Street Art, dance and movement, and digital story telling. We will then co-produce mechanisms for live online public sharing of the work with the project participants.

Lottery Community Fund: This funding is to provide new, sustainable opportunities for people with disabilities to access services through partnership working with disability specialist organisations.

Backstage Trust: This funding was provided to develop a youth theatre for young people with disabilities and autism in Cumbria.

Designated funds: see the reserves policy on page 6.

Page 37

Prism Arts CIO

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

......... continued

Prior period

At 1 April
2021		 Incoming
resources		 Resources
expended		 Transfers At 31 March
2022
£ £ £ £ £
Designated Funds
Designated funds 67,714 - - - 67,714
General Funds
General funds 96,885 177,508 (139,801) (24,429) 110,163
Training 11,090 - - - 11,090
Commissions 21,899 4,900 (3,763) - 23,036
Studio Programme (194) 34,500 (58,735) 24,429 -
129,680 216,908 (202,299) - 144,289
Restricted Funds
Studio Programme - 9,815 (9,815) - -
Youth Theatre - 6,841 (6,841) - -
Esme Fairburn - 10,727 (10,727) - -
Story Crafting - 19,808 (19,808) - -
- 47,191 (47,191) - -
197,394 264,099 (249,490) - 212,003

Page 38

Prism Arts CIO

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

......... continued

18 Net assets by fund

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Total Funds
Funds Funds 2023 2022
£ £ £ £
Tangible assets 10,295 - 10,295 13,095
Current assets 208,985 12,582 221,567 223,594
Creditors: Amounts falling due
within one year		 (4,477) (12,582) (17,059) (24,686)
Net assets 214,803 - 214,803 212,003

Prior period

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Total Funds
Funds Funds 2022 2021
£ £ £ £
Tangible assets 13,095 - 13,095 11,471
Current assets 205,605 17,989 223,594 237,254
Creditors: Amounts falling due within
one year		 (6,697) (17,989) (24,686) (51,331)
Net assets 212,003 - 212,003 197,394

Page 39