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2024-03-31-accounts

CHARITY COMMISSION

Prism Arts CIO

Registration number: 1159797

Annual Report and Financial Statements

31 March 2024

Prism Arts CIO

Contents

Reference and Administrative Details 1
Trustees' report 2
Trustees' responsibilities 21
Independent examiner's report 22
Statement of financial activities 23
Balance sheet 24
Notes to the financial statements 25

Prism Arts CIO

Reference and Administrative Details

Charity name Prism Arts CIO
Charity registration number 1159797
Principal office Central Methodist Hall
5 Market Street
CARLISLE
CA3 8QJ
Registered office Central Methodist Hall
5 Market Street
CARLISLE
CA3 8QJ
Trustees I Chapman (Resigned 28 March 2024)
V Walden, co-chair
S Smith
J Gilbert
T Hayes
S McGrath, co-chair
C J Pitcher (Appointed 28 March 2024)
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
CA3 0JF

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Prism Arts CIO

Trustees’ Report for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

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

The charity is supported by a board of trustees with expertise, knowledge, and experience. Prism Arts has an open recruitment process for prospective trustees involving a personal statement, meeting the Chair and Director, and attending a Board meeting as an observer. To address diversity, a clear plan has been developed in 2023/24. New trustees receive an induction pack and are invited to events, workshops, and training opportunities. Easy Read training is underway, and all documents will be available in this format by 2024.

1.3 Organisational Structure 2023/24

The Board held quarterly meetings (4 in total). The Trustees' responsibilities included overseeing strategic direction, finance, risk management, performance measurement, funding requirements, safeguarding, and policies. The Director reported to the Trustees at board meetings and served as a nonvoting member of the Board. The Director outlined the operational strategy for the year in response to key areas of risk, such as the cost-of-living crisis and business priorities and was responsible for the dayto-day management of the charity. The Finance and Operations Director attended board meetings to present quarterly accounts and finance reports. In 23/24 a new role was created, The Creative Programme Director, now also attends board meetings to report on creative programme strategy and development.

The Trustees maintained oversight of HR, health and safety, inclusion, performance, environmental sustainability, safeguarding, and relationships with key funders and stakeholders. The Director was responsible for developing the Prism Arts Business Plan, including collaborating with the board to agree on SMART targets, Key Performance Indicators, and finance targets for 2023/24. All members of the Senior Management Team attended board meetings, delivering reports and presenting progress.

1.4 Risk Management

The organisation reported risks quarterly using a Risk Register and the Director’s Report. The Finance and Operations Director managed this process. The Risk Register covers strategic areas of risk and assesses risk rating, including Governance, Operations, Finance, and External and Environmental risk. Prism Arts was rated as a low-risk organization by the Arts Council of England. All relevant policies and procedures were updated and approved to ensure compliance and safeguarding responsibilities were met. The Finance and Operations Director manages the quarterly meeting and policy approval cycle to oversee this process.

Key Areas of Risk 2023/24:

External Financial Risk: The ongoing cost of living crisis has continued to impact our fundraising efforts. Cauae4 worked on fundraising for the charity until September 2023. However, income from Trusts was £26k less than anticipated. The Trustees have agreed to allocate resources for the recruitment of a new Fundraising Manager. This new position commenced at Prism Arts in April 2024.

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Cost of Living Crisis and Post-Pandemic Recovery: Prism Arts has expanded face-to-face delivery and maintained contact with individuals, families, and carers. Home visits were introduced for people unable to attend sessions due to mental health issues. The charity also commissioned specific projects to engage and support new people, led by the Participant Support Lead and funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.

Capacity and Resources, Recruitment, and Retention: A review will be completed in 2024/25 to explore succession planning and staff progression. New pay scales and staff benefits have been developed to support staff progression and retention.

1.5 Related Parties

Key Partners

Arts organisations and Museums

Specialist Organisations

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Local Authorities

Educational Partners

We worked 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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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 part of its unrestricted funds that are available to spend on any of the charity purposes. These funds are held to help the charity operate effectively. Prism Arts will hold reserves equal to 3 to 6 months of its expected yearly expenditure, as indicated in the budget and quarterly financial reports. These reserves are designated in our Annual Accounts. The reserves are intended to:

Trustees monitor the reserves quarterly to ensure compliance with the above and to identify reasons for fluctuations that may cause the reserves to exceed or fall short of the required level. If reserves are below or above the target during the year, the Trustees will assess whether this is due to short-term situations or longer-term issues. In the latter case, action will be taken to replenish or spend the reserves.

The reserve level is monitored at every board meeting, which occurs quarterly. Currently, the reserves are mostly held in working capital and an investment bank account.

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

The Trustees' general designated reserves were £67,714 in line with the reserve policy. A further £80,000 was designated in the year towards the cost of purching future property. At the year end the charity also held £72,059 in unrestricted funds and had free reserves of £208,437.

Principal income and funding sources 2023/24 (in order of value)

Direct Payments income £64,361
Arts Council England NPO £51,544
Commissions £47,526
National Lottery Community Fund £35,432
Garfield Western Foundation £25,000
Cumberland Council £14,996

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Backstage Trust £9,879
Other Grants £6,902
Donations £4,111

Finance Overview: During the Cost-of-Living Crisis, our charity faced financial challenges. However, we have made progress in rebuilding our income. Direct Payments (fees for services) have now become our primary source of income, thanks to the continued growth of our Studio Programme (led by our Participant Support Lead), Direct payments income has returned to pre-pandemic levels. Additionally, our commission's (income for work delivered for a third party) income has increased over the past year as a result of work undertaken by our Creative Director. Our fundraising consultancy with Cause4 successfully secured £25,902 in income from trusts, with notable support from the Garfield Western Foundation. It's important to note that the cost-of-living crisis has affected fundraising, as many trusts have redirected their funds to support those most in need.

Finance Highlight

Supported by Cause 4, our Communications Lead successfully developed a range of new community fundraising campaigns: Active August was a highlight and generated new income for the charity whilst also raising our profile to a new audience. Donations income in 23/24 increased by 280% from £1,489 to £4,111

3. OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

To develop and strengthen the charity: We developed:

A new Equality and Diversity Action Plan and Policy: We worked with Birds of Paradise to work with staff and trustees.

A new Environmental Sustainability Action Plan and Policy Led by our Finance Director we have now approved a dynamic and deliverable approach to reducing our carbon footprint. In 2024 we will work towards a quality mark.

4. PUBLIC BENEFIT: In 2023/24 we met our Charitable Objectives

Our Charitable Objectives (CIO):

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Our Vision is Arts without Barriers

Our Mission: Delivering arts programmes and creating space for excellent work that empowers people with disabilities to drive their creative journey as artists, leaders and advocates for change

Our audience and beneficiaries :

Location of our work:

Prism Arts is located in Carlisle, and most of our beneficiaries live here. We have been focusing on delivering creative programs with Lakes College in West Cumbria as part of the core SEND curriculum. We have received funding for a feasibility study to expand our work in West Cumberland. We are also working to build and maintain relationships with key counsellors and new staff in the new unitary authority, Cumberland Council.

Advisory Board:

Our Advisory board was launched in September 2023, following a period of research, trips visits and conversations with other arts charities and artists. The board comprises 6 members. A delegated member reports to the board.

Staff Training:

Marketing and Comms:

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: 2023/24

Prism Arts has progressed our vision of Arts without Barriers through a strategic programme which has developed and sustained creative opportunities for learning disabled and autistic (LDA) people in our region. This year we have focused on the depth and quality of our services, engagement of LDA people across the charity and increased engagement by young LDA people.

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“Of all the services that our son has used as an adult with a learning disability and autism, Prism Arts has been the most supportive. The sessions he attends allow him to express his creativity and identity. The staff are skilled and supportive. He is valued as an individual, and Prism Arts is the most important part of his life." Parent, Prism Arts participant.

In 2023/24 a key priority was to strengthen our core Studio Programme, but also to expand creative opportunities for young people. As part of this work, we developed 1 new Studio Programme strand for young people leaving school and college called Studio Lift-Off, by Sept 2024 we aim for this programme to be fully subscribed. We have also continued to work in 2 SEND schools/colleges. We offered new taster sessions and an Easter School enabling us to reach and support young people.

In our most recent participant surveys, ten artists gave feedback on our Studio Focus programme and told us that:-

Programme Data

Delivery programme: Artist Development and Studio Programme

Young People

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Inclusion and Progression

Note: Funders highlighted against specific programmes. NPO and Garfield Western Foundation underpinned the entire programme.

5. THE TRUSTEE REPORT:

ACTIVITY Overview

Studio Programme

Young People

Projects and Exhibitions

Film Screening event in Prism Arts building April 2023

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Annie Robinson in Artworks Together exhibition in Wentworth House September 2023

Winter exhibition and film screening in Prism Arts building December 2023

Studio Focus exhibition and speaking at Disability Voices October 2023

Studio Arts contribute to Carlisle College exhibition in the Lanes April 2023

The Key, an immersive audio performance by Studio Theatre July 2023

Rest Under the Stars, Exhibition at Carlisle Cathedral July – Sept 2023

Active August fundraiser month August 2023

Prism Arts artist galleries launch online November 2023

Prism Arts Advisory Board Launches November 2023

Yuletide Showcase December 2023

Prism Arts Shop and Online Gallery launches December 2023

Pop-up exhibition for Easter Studio and Easter School March 2024

Diverse Cumbria Awards nomination for diverse event March 2024

– Feasibility Studies Charity and Programme Development

Volunteering, Progression and Career Development

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Case Studies

2023/24 PROGRAMME OVERVIEW and Highlights

A) STUDIO PROGRAMME

Highlights

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.

The year began with a hit with Prism artist Annie Robinson having artwork featured in Artworks Together international LDA exhibition in Wentworth House in Yorkshire. The artist and Prism staff were able to visit the grand opening day. The year then flowed into creating work for the now traditional Christmas exhibition hosted internally at Prism, with this group creating interesting artwork based on the human body and five senses for the environment theme. After Christmas, the key exhibition focus then turned to JYMA’s solo art exhibition at Carlisle Cathedral, the second of its kind for Prism artists. We secured funding for JYMA to work with international art curator Jennifer Gilbert to support the process.

The start of 2024 brought the start of the book project, where each Prism artist embarked on a Final Major Project similar to that found in mainstream art educational courses. This was where each artist devised their major project to create a polished piece of work. This artwork is the culmination of many years of artistic practice for this group, working consistently to high-quality products. The project was supported by in-depth sessions on how artists create self-initiated projects.

For the second year in a row, the group also contributed to the Carlisle College Foundation course popup exhibition in the popular Lanes shopping centre. This took the form of both workshops with a course tutor and fashion designer Wendy Oxley as well as large-scale artwork on show in the exhibition.

Throughout the year the artists from this group have contributed artwork towards the Prism shop project, getting involved in product design, posting packaging and marketing. Another thread throughout the year has been the development of fine art techniques, widening the breadth of what the artists can develop skills in, such as poetry, sound art and soft sculpture.

The group concluded the year by creating installation work based on the studio’s location of the Central Methodist Hall to be shown at the summer exhibition and book launch event hosted in the aforementioned location. This exhibition will also have general public access on a Saturday as well as a workshop based on one of our Prism artists’ work.

Studio Focus:

Studio Focus is our weekly applied arts programme for adults with learning disability and/ or autism.

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This year the group have demonstrated their continued ability to create exciting and interactive collaborative contemporary art. Their contribution towards the Christmas exhibition took on the environment of outer space which resulted in a body of work that was bold and experimental. This includes an installation room of UV lights, sound art and sculpture. Artwork from this installation was notable and as such were invited to contribute towards a group exhibition led by Pride in North Cumbria (PiNC) Arts show in Carlisle Market Hall.

The group also showed work towards the start of the year as part of Healthwatch Cumbria’s Disability Voices event. A pop-up exhibition of artwork based on identity was shown alongside an accompanying workshop. At this event, a Prism artist also spoke to the conference about their experiences and creative journey.

Throughout the year members of this group have taken part in the advisory board project, adding valuable experience and ideas to the areas the board have already covered, including the major Prism Arts rebrand.

Within the book project, this group have developed their own independent creative identities, making use of their range of skills to show their skills in experimentation and 3D artwork.

The final block of sessions has seen a flurry of mini commissions including a Lush corporate fundraiser, a Pride Month-themed artwork for international ICT company Insight and a planned window display at Bookends.

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.

The group started the year by devising a story inspired by the theme of folklore. This was then developed into a script which allowed us to work with expert freelancers specialising in music, songwriting, set design, movement and physical theatre. This enabled us to enrich the production and create a multi-disciplinary performance piece.

The group were also able to visit Theatre by the Lake to see their production of Little Shop of Horrors to expand their knowledge of theatre.

Studio Lift Off:

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

The final block has had a focus on performance and what goes into that, including working with the Knotted Project

This academic year has seen the growth of this group from its very beginnings through to a thriving and exciting group for young people and their emerging artistic journeys. They began with developing their

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techniques and skills base through creating artwork on the theme of nature for the Christmas exhibition. The group explored a wide range of processes and materials in both traditional and contemporary arenas. Working collaboratively has been encouraged right from the start and has now become one of the group’s major artistic strengths. This exhibition also provided their first taste of how art exhibitions run, including the curation and presentation of their artwork.

The book project allowed this group to get to grips with their creative journey, through supported sessions that focused on what an artist is and what they do, each artist created beautiful and refined final pieces of art that demonstrated their confidence in their art practice. The final block of sessions has embraced the group’s skills and enjoyment of performing arts and has focused on what and how goes into performance.

The group has grown from a small handful of artists to a full-fledged collective that is integral to the wider creative programme and Prism community.

B) Young People

Highlights

James Rennie SEND School:

The ‘James Rennie SEND School’ project is our weekly progression project for Post 16 students from James Rennie SEND School in Carlisle. We work with three groups across the academic year, each in a 10-week block. This year first-year students have explored the theme of Identity through the senses and mask-making. Second-year students have explored the theme of imagination through printmaking and storytelling with a collaborative painted banner. Finally, third-year students explored the theme of journeys through theatre and film, to show imaginative ways in which they may progress in their lives once they leave post 16.

Lakes College: Enrichment Course:

The ‘Lakes College: Enrichment Course’ is a project exploring methods of arts enrichment for young people aged 16-25 with learning disabilities and/or autism enrolled in the SEND Dept Courses at Lakes College in Workington, West Cumbria. We work with three groups across the academic year, each in an 8-week block. Each group worked with a different freelance artist, one group created an audio story, another group created a Zine and the final group completed a Dungeon and Dragons campaign in partnership with Tullie House. The Dungeons and Dragons was incredibly popular amongst the students with 100% of the group saying they’d love to do it again and they felt they had improved in skills such as teamwork, leadership and problem-solving through this method of arts enrichment.

Easter School and Pop-Up Exhibition

Our Participant Support Lead developed a two-day landscape painting workshop during the Easter Holidays with a local freelance artist. TNLCF funding meant we were able to make the workshops free of charge which meant anyone could attend, this is so important to us as we so often find finances are a barrier to people, particularly if they have not attended a Prism Arts workshop before. These workshops were very much targeted at young people and were well attended. We ended the 2-day workshop with a sharing of work as part of a pop-up exhibition in our buildings.

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C) Projects and Exhibitions

Highlights

Rest Under the Stars

After the success of last year’s event, which saw hundreds of visitors from across the globe descend on Carlisle as part of the cathedral’s 900th anniversary celebrations, it is set to make its return from July 26th until September 1st.

Deckchairs, scatter cushions, and a bespoke soundscape created by Prism Arts will be provided free of charge thanks to the support of Hayward Tod, the Cumbria Foundation, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Visitors can stretch out on deckchairs and admire the stars on the world-renowned ceiling of the cathedral, with the specially created soundtrack sure to leave people feeling well-rested and relaxed.

Prism Artists created a new soundscape with the help of sound designer Tim Shaw and performer Jeremy Bradfield.

Prism Artist JYMA and Canon Benjamin Carter spoke about the event on an ITV Border feature, available to watch here.

The project was developed into a series of outreach workshops taking place in both Westmoreland and Furness and West Cumberland. Prism Artists worked to co-

deliver workshops. This work will culminate in a final sharing and exhibition of work at Carlisle Cathedral in July 2024

Prism Arts Shop and Online Gallery PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHT

In 2023 Prism Arts Communications Lead and lead Visual Artist worked with Prism Artists to develop a range of products for a new online shop.

Alongside this the team developed an online Gallery, enabling the public to access artists' work and find out more about our artists.

The process has enabled our artists to work closely with staff to curate and select work for the Gallery and Shop.

The project has been supported by Trustee Jennifer Gilbert, Founder and Director of the Jennifer Lauren Gallery.

Achieving this project was a key NPO target for Prism Arts, enabling us to highlight the ambition and quality of our artist’s work. Alongside which the project has enabled us to profile our artists work to a national audience. Selling work has also increased artist pride and confidence.

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Case Study: Katie Rudd

Katie’s resilience and creativity led to many fantastic pieces of artwork being produced in the studio. Her design, ‘Overflowing With Love For You’, was even used as a greetings card for the Prism Shop. It proved so popular that it sold out in just 3 days!

On launching the product, Katie remarked, “I feel happy. I enjoyed

packaging my work and I’m proud.” Katie Rudd

Annie Robinson: Work selected for national exhibition: Artworks Together August 2023

Alongside the online Gallery, the Lead Artist has focussed on submitting artist's work for national exhibitions and events. In 2023 Annie Robinson's work was selected to form part of a national visual arts exhibition Artworks Together in Nottingham, highlighting the work of neurodivergent and disabled artists.

Artist overview (Prism Arts website): Annie Robinson is a multimedia artist based in Cumbria with a selfdescribed passion for BRIGHT COLOURS . She creates huge, sweeping landscapes of colour in the Prism Arts studio which can often take months to complete and are mesmerising to see in person. Annie’s playful style also extends into the many mediums and subjects she explores while engaging in studio projects, from characters to observational drawings and patterns.

One such piece, Bright Colours , was exhibited in the international LDA exhibition Artworks Together at the Wentworth Woodhouse from August to September 2023.

Annie attended the exhibition launch and also took part in a panel discussion as part of the opening programme of events.

About Artworks Together: Artworks Together 2023 is an international exhibition, offering adult artists with learning disabilities, autism or both, the opportunity to showcase their artistic talents to the entire world to gain the recognition they

deserve.

Yuletide Showcase

On the 13th of December 2023, Prism Arts hosted an annual sharing event to showcase our artist's work from the Autumn term. This year, we also saw work included from young people emerging from our new Studio Programme strand, Studio Lift-Off alongside the James Rennie SEND School art group. Guests were able to purchase items from the Prism Shop as well as raffle tickets which included prizes kindly donated by Michael’s Framing Gallery, the Green Room’s Celebration of Musicals, and local artist Martin Evans. Read below quotes from attendees.

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“Very creative and lovely to look at”

“Well done to all artists. This was a big highlight of the year.”

“So colourful and such a variety – excellent!”

D) Feasibility Projects

Prism Arts Future Home

Prism Arts completed an SPF-funded Future Home feasibility (by Genecon- commissioned in 22/23 by Carlisle City Council) this explored the viability of developing a partnership model to create a thriving cultural space in the city. Stakeholders were consulted from across the private, education and cultural sectors. The recommendation was that a partnership / creative cluster model would provide a strong offer in terms of investment, and access to space, (rather than Prism Arts developing a solo relocation project). A project continuity group was therefore formed to take forward feasibility recommendations. The group includes Cumberland Council staff and Tullie House Museum.

To date, 2 further SPF programmes are being delivered (commissioned by Cumberland Council) to explore the use of spaces for cultural and other activities in the city. Prism Arts is engaging with all opportunities to progress our vision of an accessible, creative space in the city.

“The Prism Arts Future Home project aims to deliver inclusive, welcoming, accessible and affordable art, creative and cultural space in the heart of Carlisle – working in partnership with other local organisations (both charitable and commercial) to create a sustainable destination which provides real impact for people, the city, and the region. With a proven history of success and demand far exceeding capacity, an extensive network of collaborators, and an impressive history of leveraging funding both as an individual organisation and in partnership, Prism Arts is limited only by its lack of a suitable, stable home for their work”. Prism Arts Proposition Document Genecon 2023

West Coast Engagement Feasibility Project

Led by Jane Dudman, working with partners Rosehill Theatre and Everyone Together a report was developed that sets out recommendations for future work in West Cumberland, based around the needs of people with learning disabilities and autism.

The report was commissioned by Prism Arts and funded by Cumberland Council through an SPF grant administered by the Copeland Community Fund. The recommendations are based on the collection of evidence:

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Work will progress on 23/24 to develop the recommendations embedded within the report. Achieving future outcomes including:

E) Volunteering, Progression and Career Development

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.

2023/24 has seen a step change in this area of our work. This work has been supported by the Transforming Leadership programme and the TNLCF. The work has been led and supported by our Participant Support Lead, working closely with artists, skilled support staff and the Creative Director.

Volunteering and employment opportunities.

Volunteering, Progression and Career Development HIGHLIGHTS

Transforming Leadership

Transforming Leadership is a programme for emerging learning disabled and autistic leaders, the first of its kind and one that we hope will be the first of many similar programmes.

The programme sees learning disabled and autistic leaders employed in positions across all aspects of theatre-making including as theatre directors, workshop facilitators, digital content creators, and trustees.

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A few years into the programme now, Transforming Leadership has proven to be a force for positive change.

There have historically been very few bespoke leadership development programmes for learning disabled and autistic creatives and little shared understanding of how to create accessible environments where leaders can thrive. So we aim to change that! We want to see an arts sector that expects and encourages learning disabled and autistic people to take up leadership roles. (Access All Areas)

2 Prism Artists developed leadership skills within the charity through Access All Areas' Transforming Leadership Programme. Prism Arts is supporting:

This project included paid engagement for our trainee artists, 2 residentials in Nottingham and London and online Zoom training workshops, attended by trainee neurodivergent artists and arts organisations - - from across the country. https://accessallareasproductions.org/artist development/transforming - leadership national/

New Internship Pilot Rebecca

Our internship pilot scheme has allowed us to explore the possibilities of employing neurodivergent individuals on an ‘apprentice’ style model. This year we have employed one person as a trainee facilitator artist to work one day a week. This has enabled a young person to earn whilst they learn and develop their skills. We have also been able to bring this person into other projects as we have a payment model that works. We have a training product that was co-created with this young person. This has been extremely successful, and we will be looking at ways to continue this in the future. It is a very exciting development in how we work and support neurodivergent people.

Trainee Theatre Lead

The Backstage Trust funding has enabled Prism Arts to successfully employ a young member (Amber McGhee) from our existing team as a trainee theatre lead. To support this process, we contracted a professional theatre company (The Knotted Project) to provide a mentoring and training programme and created a new in-house performing arts unit comprising three staff working in collaboration to provide support and assistance.

==================================================================

Case Studies 1

Amber McGhee Case Study: Theatre Trainee

“Developing my skills with The Knotted Project has been an opportunity I will never forget. It has allowed me to gain knowledge of their co-creation model and how to apply it within different groups, the

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experience has absolutely ignited my love for performance and physical theatre and I'm so excited to apply what I have learned within the Theatre Programme at Prism Arts.

Looking into the future, I would love to continue to develop my skills within performance and theatre, particularly looking at new methods of performance that can be applied to the Theatre Programme at Prism Arts. Following our recent trip to see Frozen Light Theatre's 'A Bar at the Edge of Time', I have an interest in developing Sensory Theatre for audiences with PMLD, particularly alongside the artists already attending our Theatre Programme. I do also hope to study a master’s degree in a performing arts subject in the future, this has stemmed from my training with The Knotted Project and how much I enjoyed it. The Back Stage Trust funding has helped me to develop my career and my work at Prism Arts. It’s been transformational for me”

Amber McGhee May 2024

Training programme funded by Backstage Trust

Case Studies 2

“Prism Arts has been life-changing for Katie”

Katie Rudd: Thriving Post-Lockdown with Sellout Success

Meet Katie Rudd, a 27-year-old creative from Carlisle who, after facing social isolation in lockdown, embarked on a transformative artistic journey with Prism Arts. She is now a sellout artist in the Prism Shop and has gained ‘a sense of purpose’ after being ‘accepted unconditionally’ in the Prism Arts studio.

Rebecca, Participant Support Lead at Prism Arts:

“Katie had been a Prism Artist for many years but, after the pandemic lockdowns had finished, she initially struggled to leave her home and return to the studio. So, we took Prism Arts to her. The team did short sessions at her house to help her feel more comfortable around people again. When we started these the sessions, they were short and would often just be staff saying hello. But

as time went on it became part of Katie’s routine, and she became more and more keen create artwork.

It became a lovely part of everyone’s week creating work with Katie at home. As Katie’s confidence and creative spark grew, she felt ready to join in the group sessions. She now regularly attends two weekly studio and is a much-loved member of the groups.”

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Katie’s parents, Ian and Fiona, spoke of the role the creative workshops had in her improvement:

“Prism Arts has given her a sense of purpose . Katie is calmer and more settled now. Her approach within the group is improving all the time.

Katie has been accepted unconditionally as part of the group at Prism Arts, and her achievements celebrated which has really boosted her confidence.

Activities are also tailored so Katie can explore her own strengths and interests, for example typography.

The artist herself had this to say about her time working at Prism Arts:

‘I enjoy working with staff at Prism Arts. I have learned lots

about drawing, writing and painting.’

You can find more artwork by Katie on her Artist Gallery Page and follow her journey by following Prism - - Arts on Instagram and Facebook. https://prismarts.org.uk/artist gallery/katie rudd/

Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

………………………………………..

V Walden, co-chair Trustee 25 July 2024

………………………………………..

S McGrath, co-chair Trustee 25 July 2024

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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.

Page 21

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 2024, which are set out on pages 23 to 35.

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.

The charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 and I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

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

FIFTEEN Rosehill Montgomery Way Rosehill Estate CARLISLE CA1 2RW

25 July 2024

Page 22

Prism Arts CIO

Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Note
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
2
Investments
3
Charitable activities
4
Total income
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
Total expenditure
Net incoming resources before transfers
Transfers
Gross transfers between funds
Net movements in funds
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
102,553
3,420
111,887		 Restricted
Funds
£
45,311
-
-		 Total Funds
2024
£
147,864
3,420
111,887		 Total Funds
2023
£
171,023
1,478
68,773
217,860 45,311 263,171 241,274
212,890 45,311 258,201 238,474
212,890 45,311 258,201 238,474
4,970
-		 -
-		 4,970
-		 2,800
-
4,970
214,803		 -
-		 4,970
214,803		 2,800
212,003
219,773 - 219,773 214,803

The notes on pages 25 to 35 form an integral part of these financial statements.

Page 23

Prism Arts CIO

Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2024

Note
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
11
Current assets
Debtors
12
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: Amounts falling due within
one year
13
Net current assets
Net assets
The funds of the charity:
Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
Unrestricted income funds
Total charity funds		 2024
£
£
11,336
12,158
213,173
225,331
(16,894)
208,437
219,773
-
219,773
219,773		 2023
£
£
10,295
10,636
210,931
221,567
(17,059)
204,508
214,803
-
214,803
214,803		 2023
£
£
10,295
10,636
210,931
221,567
(17,059)
204,508
214,803
-
214,803
214,803
214,803
-
214,803
214,803

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 25 July 2024 and signed on its behalf by:

......................................... ......................................... V Walden, co-chair S McGrath, co-chair Trustee Trustee

The notes on pages 25 to 35 form an integral part of these financial statements.

Page 24

Prism Arts CIO

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

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 25

Prism Arts CIO

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

......... 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 26

Prism Arts CIO

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

......... continued

2 Donations and legacies

Donations and legacies
Appeals and donations
Grants
Carlisle City Council
Arts Council England NW
HLF
Derek Hill Foundation
Esme Fairburn Foundation
Cumbria County Council
Cumbria Community Foundation
The National Lottery Community Fund
Garfield Weston
Masonic Charitable Foundation
Cumbria Freemasons
ICS
Backstage Trust
Cumberland County Council		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
4,111		 Restricted
Funds
£
-		 Total Funds
2024
£
4,111		 Total Funds
2023
£
1,489
-
51,544
-
-
-
-
2,000
-
25,000
2,000
2,000
902
-
14,996		 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
35,432
-
-
-
-
9,879
-		 -
51,544
-
-
-
-
2,000
35,432
25,000
2,000
2,000
902
9,879
14,996		 11,356
72,891
(2,780)
500
16,269
11,000
1,000
34,298
25,000
-
-
-
-
-
98,442 45,311 143,753 169,534
102,553 45,311 147,864 171,023

Of the donations and legacies income in 2023 £101,114 related to unrestricted funds and £69,909 related to restricted funds.

3 Investments

Interest on cash deposits Unrestricted
Funds
£
3,420		 Restricted
Funds
£
-		 Total Funds
2024
£
3,420		 Total Funds
2023
£
1,478

All of the investment income in 2023 related to unrestricted funds.

Page 27

Prism Arts CIO

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

......... continued

4 Charitable activities

Charitable activities
Commissions
Studio Programme		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
47,526
64,361		 Restricted
Funds
£
-
-		 Total Funds
2024
£
47,526
64,361		 Total Funds
2023
£
14,169
54,604
111,887 - 111,887 68,773

Of the income from charitable activities in 2023 £68,079 related to unrestricted funds and £694 related to restricted funds.

Page 28

Prism Arts CIO

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

......... continued

5 Total resources expended

Direct costs
Artist fees
Artist materials
Artist and participant travel
Equipment
(Profit)/loss on disposal of
tangible fixed assets
Employment costs
Publicity costs
Sundry expenses
Travel and subsistence
Legal and professional fees
Support costs
Employment costs
Rent and utilities
Insurance
Telephone and internet
Office expenses
Trade subscriptions
Sundry expenses
Cost of trustee meetings
Accountancy fees
Payroll costs
Independent examiner's fee
Bank charges
Depreciation of plant and
machinery		 Prism Arts
£
700
353
182
115
-
-
2,172
121
1,012
1,200
5,855
92,651
25,762
1,475
5,103
14,509
1,265
490
134
2,660
935
650
60
1,713
147,407
153,262		 Commission
£
17,496
636
-
448
-
18,425
-
-
1,624
-
38,629
1,104
-
-
-
1,320
-
150
-
-
-
-
-
-
2,574
41,203		 Studio
Programme
£
4,542
2,984
650
-
-
54,612
475
-
221
-		 Total
2024
£
22,738
3,973
832
563
-
73,037
2,647
121
2,857
1,200		 Total
2023
£
29,282
4,147
1,979
890
3,337
41,012
5,435
67
976
-
63,484 107,968 87,125
-
-
-
-
71
11
170
-
-
-
-
-
-		 93,755
25,762
1,475
5,103
15,900
1,276
810
134
2,660
935
650
60
1,713		 95,946
24,881
1,322
4,053
17,660
640
1,418
40
1,990
744
650
72
1,933
252 150,233 151,349
63,736 258,201 238,474

Of the expenditure in 2023 £167,871 related to unrestricted funds and £70,603 related to restricted funds.

Page 29

Prism Arts CIO

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

......... continued

6 Governance costs

Cost of trustee meetings
Accountancy fees
Independent examiner's fee
Payroll costs		 2024
£
134
2,660
650
935		 2023
£
40
1,990
650
744
4,379 3,424

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:

2024 2023
£ £
(Profit)/loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets - 3,337
Depreciation of owned assets 1,713 1,933

9 Employees' remuneration

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

Charitable activities
The aggregate payroll costs of these persons were as follows:
Wages and salaries
Social security
Other pension costs		 2024
No.
10
2024
£
151,754
4,632
2,800
159,186		 2023
No.
8
2023
£
129,208
2,844
2,525
134,577

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

Page 30

Prism Arts CIO

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

......... continued

10 Taxation

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

11 Tangible fixed assets

Cost
As at 1 April 2023
Additions
As at 31 March 2024
Depreciation
As at 1 April 2023
Charge for the year
As at 31 March 2024
Net book value
As at 31 March 2024
As at 31 March 2023		 Fixtures,
fittings and
equipment
£
17,552
2,754
20,306
7,257
1,713
8,970
11,336
10,295
12
Debtors
Trade debtors
13
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
Accruals and deferred income		 2024
£
12,158
2024
£
16,894		 2023
£
10,636
2023
£
17,059

Page 31

Prism Arts CIO

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

......... continued

14 Operating lease commitments

As at 31 March 2024 the charity had total future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases as follows:

Within one year Land and Buildings
2024
£
2023
£
-
15,000

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 £2,800 (2023 - £2,525).

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

Page 32

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

Prism Arts CIO

......... continued

16 Related parties

Controlling entity

The charity is controlled by the trustees.

17 Analysis of funds

Designated Funds
Designated funds
Property fund
General Funds
General funds
Training
Commissions
Studio Programme
Restricted Funds
Lottery Community Fund
Backstage Trust		 At 1 April
2023
£
67,714
-
67,714
103,238
11,090
25,770
6,991
147,089
-
-
-
214,803		 Incoming
resources
£
-
-
-
105,205
-
51,337
61,318
217,860
35,432
9,879
45,311
263,171		 Resources
expended
£
-
-
-
(117,964)
-
(31,190)
(63,736)
(212,890)
(35,432)
(9,879)
(45,311)
(258,201)		 Transfers
£
-
80,000
80,000
(79,866)
-
(134)
-
(80,000)
-
-
-
-		 At 31 March
2024
£
67,714
80,000
147,714
10,613
11,090
45,783
4,573
72,059
-
-
-
219,773

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 for a trainee performing arts lead post.

Designated funds: see the reserves policy on page 5.

Page 33

Prism Arts CIO

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

......... continued

Prior period

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

18 Transfers

During the year, a transfer of £134 was made to General funds from Commissions for the purchase of fixed assets.

£80,000 was also designated towards the cost of purchasing future property.

Page 34

Prism Arts CIO

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2024

......... continued

19 Net assets by fund

Tangible assets
Current assets
Creditors: Amounts falling due
within one year
Net assets		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
11,336
220,319
(11,882)
219,773		 Restricted
Funds
£
-
5,012
(5,012)
-		 Total Funds
2024
£
11,336
225,331
(16,894)
219,773		 Total Funds
2023
£
10,295
221,567
(17,059)
214,803

Prior period

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

Page 35