Annual Report 2025
Creative Culture Trust
As we reflect on the past year at CCT, we are proud to share the positive impact our charity has had on both the local creative community and young people across our region. Thanks to the support of our artists, partners, funders, and the wider community, we have experienced another successful year of growth, innovation, and collaboration.
We entered 2025 believing in the transformative power of creativity and further our goal to nurture this by supporting artists and inspiring the next generation of creators, with a clear focus: to continue to support artists by providing them with vibrant, affordable spaces to work and create; to engage young people through meaningful arts projects that nurture creativity and confidence; introduce new educational based activity and to build stronger relationships with our funders and supporters. With the continued dedication of our Trustees and volunteer team and the passion of everyone involved, I am delighted to report that we have exceeded expectations across all fronts.
Our key achievements in 2025
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Throughout 2025, our artist studios maintained a strong occupancy rate. This is a testament to the high demand for affordable, well-equipped creative spaces in our area. Our tenants have continued to produce exceptional work across a range of disciplines, including visual arts, sculpture, photography, and mixed media.
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We received positive feedback from the artists who utilise our spaces. Many have highlighted the community atmosphere and the invaluable support offered by our team in helping them develop their practice. Several tenants also reported having increased exposure and opportunities through exhibitions held at our gallery spaces.
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We held a total of 12 major exhibitions during 2025, each showcasing the talent of both local and national artists. These events attracted hundreds of visitors, engaged the local community, and provided artists with a platform to present their work.
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We proudly launched our Best Practice Creative Arts Course —an initial 6 month program designed to provide practical skills and mentorship for aspiring artists. The inaugural cohort of students successfully completed the initial models. This initiative was made possible by a mixture of self funding and part/funded from our generous supporters.
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Our charity continued to prioritise young people’s arts education with our funded projects aimed at 8-12-year-olds. Over the year, we reached more than 200 young people across both our settings. Each of these initiatives was funded through grants and donations, which we are incredibly grateful for. Our young participants have developed both artistic and personal skills, with many expressing increased confidence and a deeper appreciation for the arts.
Throughout the year, CCT was fortunate to receive exceptional support from a variety of individuals, organisations, resident artists and local businesses. We are grateful to our partners, who made our work possible. Their commitment to supporting our arts activities has been integral to our success.
As we enter the new year, we are focused on continuing to expand our impact and looking at ways to enhance our education and youth engagement programs with new modules and creative opportunities designed to encourage both local and international artists in developing and exhibiting new work.
We would like to extend our deepest thanks to all of our supporters—artists, volunteers, donors, funders, and the community for making 2025 such a successful year. Together, we are shaping a more vibrant and creative future for everyone.
We look forward to what we can achieve together in the year ahead.
With gratitude,
Marcus Benson Chairperson
CREATIVE CULTURE TRUST CIO
REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED
5 APRIL 2025
REGISTERED NUMBER - 1161184
29 Howard Street North Shields Tyne and Wear NE30 1AR
Tel : 0191 259 2743 Fax : 0191 257 2249 E-mail : info@essell.co.uk Ref: ACR/2998
CREATIVE CULTURE TRUST CIO
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
CONTENTS
| Report of the Trustees | Page 1 |
|---|---|
| Independent Examiner's Report | Page 2 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | Page 3 |
| Balance Sheet | Page 4 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | Page 5 - 6 |
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities | Page 7 |
29 Howard Street North Shields NE30 1AR Tel: 0191 259 2743 : Fax 0191 257 2249 E-mail: info@essell.co.uk Ref: ACR/2998
CREATIVE CULTURE TRUST CIO
Page 1
Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 5 April 2025
The Trustees are pleased to present their report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 5 April 2025
The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice - Accounting and Reporting by Charities issued in March 2005
Registered Charity number
1161184
Principal address
The Athenaeum 27 Fawcett Street Sunderland SR1 1RE
Trustees
C Fowler D P Lindsay M D Benson C Lap Lau A J Breeze
Structure, Governance & Management
Governing document
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes an unincorporated charity.
Risk management
The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives and aims
Creative Culture Trust CIO promotes access to culture, creative workspace, engagement and participation in arts through educational and recreational activities which develop the skills and confidence of individuals providing a platform for them to grow artistically.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD :
Trustee …………………………………………..
A J Breeze
Date :
Page 2
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF CREATIVE CULTURE TRUST CIO
I report on the accounts of Creative Culture Trust CIO for the year ended 5th April 2025, which are set out on pages 3 to 8.
This report is made solely to the trustees, as a body, in accordance with the regulations made under Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the charity's trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an independent examiner's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity's trustees, as a body, for my work, for this report, or for the opinions I have formed.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The trustees (who are also directors of the company for the purposes of company law) 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.
Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to an audit under company law and is eligible or independent examination it is my responsibility to:
Examine the accounts and to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's statement
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 seeks explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would by 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 set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
1.) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect, the requirements;
- to keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006; and - to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of section 394 and 395 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities;
have not been met; or
2.) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understand of the accounts to be reached.
Alex C. Robinson FCCA ESSELL ACCOUNTANTS, North Shields
Date:
CREATIVE CULTURE TRUST CIO
Page 3
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
| Income and Endowments Incoming Resources from Generated Funds: Voluntary Income Donations Investment Income Grant Income Total Incoming resources Resources Expended Costs of generating voluntary income Net Income / (Expenditure) resources Transfer between funds Net Movement in Funds Balance at 5 April 2024 Balance at 5 April 2025 |
Notes 2 3 |
Unrestricted Funds £ 22,424 750 731 0 23,905 26,057 (2,152) 2,152 0 1,934 1,934 |
Restricted Funds £ 0 0 0 26,808 26,808 26,808 0 (2,152) (2,152) 27,617 25,465 |
Total 2025 £ 22,424 750 731 26,808 50,713 52,865 (2,152) 0 (2,152) 29,551 27,399 |
Total 2024 37,766 0 615 4,000 42,381 46,223 (3,843) 0 (3,843) 33,394 29,551 |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
These notes form part of the financial statements
Page 4
CREATIVE CULTURE TRUST CIO
| BALANCE SHEET AS AT 5 APRIL 2025 CURRENT ASSETS Cash at Bank and in Hand Debtors CREDITORS : AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR(Note 5) TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES NET ASSETS FUNDS Unrestricted Funds (Note 6) Restricted Funds (Note 6) |
38,171 600 38,771 11,373 27,399 27,399 1,934 25,465 27,399 2025 £ |
29,583 600 30,183 632 29,551 29,551 1,934 27,617 29,551 2024 £ |
|---|---|---|
These financial statements were approved by the Trustees on _______ and were signed on its behalf by :
A J Breeze
Charity registered number : 1161184
CREATIVE CULTURE TRUST CIO
Page 5
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Accounting Convention
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP 2015) and the Charities Act 2011. The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows:
Incoming Resources
All incoming resources are included on the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.
Resources expended
Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees. Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
| 2 INVESTMENT INCOME Deposit Account Interest 3 EXPENDITURE ON RAISING FUNDS Support Costs |
Unrestricted Funds £ 26,057 26,057 |
Restricted Funds £ 26,808 26,808 |
2025 £ 731 Total 2025 £ 52,865 52,865 |
2024 £ 615 Total 2024 £ 46,223 46,223 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CREATIVE CULTURE TRUST CIO
Page 6
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
4 TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 5 April 2025 nor for the year ended 5 April 202
Trustees' expenses
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 5 April 2025 nor for the year ended 5 April 2024.
| 5 CREDITORS : AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Other Creditors Accrued Income |
2025 £ 1,541 9,832 11,373 |
2024 £ 632 0 632 |
|---|---|---|
6 MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
| General Funds Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds |
Balance at Incoming Resources Transfer Balance at 6 April Resources expended Between 5 April 2024 Funds 2025 £ £ £ £ £ 1,934 23,905 (26,057) 2,152 1,934 27,617 26,808 (26,808) (2,152) 25,465 29,551 50,713 (52,865) 0 27,399 |
|---|---|
CREATIVE CULTURE TRUST CIO
Page 7
DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
| INCOMING RESOURCES Voluntary income Studio Rentals Gallery Income Donations Investment income Deposit account interest Grant Income Grants Received Total incoming resources RESOURCES EXPENDED Management Insurance Rent and Management Costs Advertising Light and Heat Rates and Water Postage and stationery Travel Accountancy Professional Fees Activity Costs Entertainment Bank Charges Sundries Repairs and Maintenance Total resources expended Net Deficit |
£ £ £ £ 22,143 37,766 281 0 750 0 731 615 26,808 4,000 50,713 42,381 792 720 16,550 22,474 19 353 3,422 1,631 1,930 151 117 4 165 8 635 675 443 0 27,737 18,927 0 60 75 60 101 0 880 1,160 52,865 46,223 (2,152) (3,843) 2025 2024 |
|---|---|
CREATIVE CULTURE TRUST CIO
REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED
5 APRIL 2025
REGISTERED NUMBER - 1161184
29 Howard Street North Shields Tyne and Wear NE30 1AR
Tel : 0191 259 2743 Fax : 0191 257 2249 E-mail : info@essell.co.uk Ref: ACR/2998
CREATIVE CULTURE TRUST CIO
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
CONTENTS
| Report of the Trustees | Page 1 |
|---|---|
| Independent Examiner's Report | Page 2 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | Page 3 |
| Balance Sheet | Page 4 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | Page 5 - 6 |
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities | Page 7 |
29 Howard Street North Shields NE30 1AR Tel: 0191 259 2743 : Fax 0191 257 2249 E-mail: info@essell.co.uk Ref: ACR/2998
CREATIVE CULTURE TRUST CIO
Page 1
Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 5 April 2025
The Trustees are pleased to present their report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 5 April 2025
The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice - Accounting and Reporting by Charities issued in March 2005
Registered Charity number
1161184
Principal address
The Athenaeum 27 Fawcett Street Sunderland SR1 1RE
Trustees
C Fowler D P Lindsay M D Benson C Lap Lau A J Breeze
Structure, Governance & Management
Governing document
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes an unincorporated charity.
Risk management
The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives and aims
Creative Culture Trust CIO promotes access to culture, creative workspace, engagement and participation in arts through educational and recreational activities which develop the skills and confidence of individuals providing a platform for them to grow artistically.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD :
Trustee …………………………………………..
A J Breeze
Date :
Page 2
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF CREATIVE CULTURE TRUST CIO
I report on the accounts of Creative Culture Trust CIO for the year ended 5th April 2025, which are set out on pages 3 to 8.
This report is made solely to the trustees, as a body, in accordance with the regulations made under Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the charity's trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an independent examiner's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity's trustees, as a body, for my work, for this report, or for the opinions I have formed.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The trustees (who are also directors of the company for the purposes of company law) 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.
Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to an audit under company law and is eligible or independent examination it is my responsibility to:
Examine the accounts and to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's statement
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 seeks explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would by 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 set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
1.) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect, the requirements;
- to keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006; and - to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of section 394 and 395 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities;
have not been met; or
2.) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understand of the accounts to be reached.
Alex C. Robinson FCCA ESSELL ACCOUNTANTS, North Shields
Date:
CREATIVE CULTURE TRUST CIO
Page 3
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
| Income and Endowments Incoming Resources from Generated Funds: Voluntary Income Donations Investment Income Grant Income Total Incoming resources Resources Expended Costs of generating voluntary income Net Income / (Expenditure) resources Transfer between funds Net Movement in Funds Balance at 5 April 2024 Balance at 5 April 2025 |
Notes 2 3 |
Unrestricted Funds £ 22,424 750 731 0 23,905 26,057 (2,152) 2,152 0 1,934 1,934 |
Restricted Funds £ 0 0 0 26,808 26,808 26,808 0 (2,152) (2,152) 27,617 25,465 |
Total 2025 £ 22,424 750 731 26,808 50,713 52,865 (2,152) 0 (2,152) 29,551 27,399 |
Total 2024 37,766 0 615 4,000 42,381 46,223 (3,843) 0 (3,843) 33,394 29,551 |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
These notes form part of the financial statements
Page 4
CREATIVE CULTURE TRUST CIO
| BALANCE SHEET AS AT 5 APRIL 2025 CURRENT ASSETS Cash at Bank and in Hand Debtors CREDITORS : AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR(Note 5) TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES NET ASSETS FUNDS Unrestricted Funds (Note 6) Restricted Funds (Note 6) |
38,171 600 38,771 11,373 27,399 27,399 1,934 25,465 27,399 2025 £ |
29,583 600 30,183 632 29,551 29,551 1,934 27,617 29,551 2024 £ |
|---|---|---|
These financial statements were approved by the Trustees on _______ and were signed on its behalf by :
A J Breeze
Charity registered number : 1161184
CREATIVE CULTURE TRUST CIO
Page 5
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Accounting Convention
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP 2015) and the Charities Act 2011. The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows:
Incoming Resources
All incoming resources are included on the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.
Resources expended
Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees. Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
| 2 INVESTMENT INCOME Deposit Account Interest 3 EXPENDITURE ON RAISING FUNDS Support Costs |
Unrestricted Funds £ 26,057 26,057 |
Restricted Funds £ 26,808 26,808 |
2025 £ 731 Total 2025 £ 52,865 52,865 |
2024 £ 615 Total 2024 £ 46,223 46,223 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CREATIVE CULTURE TRUST CIO
Page 6
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
4 TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 5 April 2025 nor for the year ended 5 April 202
Trustees' expenses
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 5 April 2025 nor for the year ended 5 April 2024.
| 5 CREDITORS : AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Other Creditors Accrued Income |
2025 £ 1,541 9,832 11,373 |
2024 £ 632 0 632 |
|---|---|---|
6 MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
| General Funds Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds |
Balance at Incoming Resources Transfer Balance at 6 April Resources expended Between 5 April 2024 Funds 2025 £ £ £ £ £ 1,934 23,905 (26,057) 2,152 1,934 27,617 26,808 (26,808) (2,152) 25,465 29,551 50,713 (52,865) 0 27,399 |
|---|---|
CREATIVE CULTURE TRUST CIO
Page 7
DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5 APRIL 2025
| INCOMING RESOURCES Voluntary income Studio Rentals Gallery Income Donations Investment income Deposit account interest Grant Income Grants Received Total incoming resources RESOURCES EXPENDED Management Insurance Rent and Management Costs Advertising Light and Heat Rates and Water Postage and stationery Travel Accountancy Professional Fees Activity Costs Entertainment Bank Charges Sundries Repairs and Maintenance Total resources expended Net Deficit |
£ £ £ £ 22,143 37,766 281 0 750 0 731 615 26,808 4,000 50,713 42,381 792 720 16,550 22,474 19 353 3,422 1,631 1,930 151 117 4 165 8 635 675 443 0 27,737 18,927 0 60 75 60 101 0 880 1,160 52,865 46,223 (2,152) (3,843) 2025 2024 |
|---|---|