qrobut Ahnual Report and Accownts 2020
arebyte Annual Report and Accounts 2020
Contents
Contents
| Contents | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Forewords | 3 | Reference & administrative details | 23 |
| About arebyte | 4 | Statement of Trustees’ responsibilities | 24 |
| Programme 2020 - Systems | 5 | Independent examiner’s report to Trustees | 24 |
| fff | |||
| arebyte Gallery | 7 | Statement of fnancial activities | 25 |
| arebyte on Screen | 11 | Balance Sheet | 25 |
| arebyte Skills | 15 | Notes to the fnancial statements | 26 |
| Thank you | 17 | ||
| arebyte Studios | 18 | ||
| Press Highlights | 20 | ||
| Report of the Trustees and fnancial statement | 21 | ||
| for the year ending 31 December 2020 | |||
| Report of the Trustees | 21 | ||
| Objectives and activities | 21 | ||
| Governance & management | 22 | ||
| Achievements and Performances | 22 | ||
| Financial review | 23 | Cover Image: Installation view of_Trickle Down, A New Vertical_ Helen Knowles, arebyte Gallery (2020). Image: Mark Stokes |
Sovereignty, |
Cover Image: Installation view of Trickle Down, A New Vertical Sovereignty , Helen Knowles, arebyte Gallery (2020). Image: Mark Stokes
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arebyte Annual Report and Accounts 2020 Forewords
Forewords
Our 2020 art programme themed ‘Systems’ looked into the current systems and networks in a digitised world: Infrastructures of economics and cryptocurrencies with Helen Knowles, the World Wide Web as an artistic landscape with Olia Lialina, software subculture and open sourcing with Alan Warburton, creative Artificial Intelligence and algorithms through Real-Time Constraints curated with Luba Elliot, systems of power with POWERPLAY in collaboration with The National Gallery in Zimbabwe, as well as webrings, artistic networks, broadcasting and much more.
In parallel to this artistic exploration, the outbreak of Covid-19 exposed the larger world-systems at play - and their fragility. With the global economy and the health care system brought to near collapse, a futuristic dystopian narrative was becoming reality, with many people fearing for their job, their safety and their future. But in defiance of the devastating impacts of the pandemic, a truly collective effort for more togetherness emerged online through self-organised actions and new waves of digital tools enabling people to work from home, stay connected to their loved ones and get the vital support they needed.
As the digital landscape became our default experience of images and people during the lockdowns, arebyte was forced into a realm which we are already accustomed with – online. As an organisation championing the intersection of art and technology, we closed the doors of arebyte Gallery , but continued virtually on
arebyte on Screen , honouring all our commitment with artists, despite the constraints and restrictions. This has led to breakthroughs and innovations with Real-Time Constraints , a group show presented as a browser based plugin, showing the breadth of possibilities when working, curating, thinking and exhibiting art online. Our educational programme arebyte Skills also moved online, offering creative digital skills workshops for beginners and advanced practitioners, the curatorial short course series From Dada to Tik-Tok , and meditation sessions around mindful technology.
As a result, we tripled our online audiences in the UK and abroad, achieving a greater reach and access to digital art and creative digital training, which appeared even more relevant in a time of increased levels of loneliness and social exclusion.
In the middle of the pandemic, the killing of George Floyd and the wave of protest against structural racism highlighted how cultural representations and institutional practices within our current social, economic and political system of norms maintain racial inequity. The Black Lives Matter movement has sparked widespread conversations and demands for racial inequity to be recognised and addressed in the art industry. arebyte is committed to move forward its work on tackling inequality by diversifying its workforce within its organisation and across its board, in addition to keep ensuring underrepresented communities of artists are incorporated into the programme.
Covid-19 also affected arebyte Studios operations. Thanks to appropriate safety measures, we managed to keep our sites across Canning Town, Peckham and Camberwell open, with a recommendation to work from home when possible. This decision allowed our studio holders who use machinery to keep operating. In response to the financial pressure faced by the 150 artists and creative businesses occupying our workspaces, arebyte offered rent reductions from March to December 2020, with additional support from the Creative Land Trust. This initiative helped our creative community to keep afloat during these turbulent times and retain their workspace.
The past year revealed our strength as a team, from adapting to a challenging new reality to implementing our expertise to imagine new possibilities. It showed that technology, when used in a meaningful way can help overcome the biggest hurdles, connect multiple voices and embrace a wide range of influences to offer new experiences.
Nimrod Vardi Founder and Creative director
Claudel Goy Managing director
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arebyte Annual Report and Accounts 2020 About arebyte
About arebyte
arebyte brings innovative perspectives to art through new technology
arebyte leads a pioneering digital art programme at the intersection of new technologies and contemporary cultures. Following the long tradition of artists working across emerging artforms, multiple voices within the digital realm are invited to create multimedia installations at arebyte Gallery and online experiences on arebyte on Screen.
Alongside the art programme, arebyte Skills features short courses on digital theory and introductions to creative software and hardware. Through workshops led by digital artists, arebyte Skills provides digital practitioners and newcomers with practical techniques for digital making.
arebyte also supports a vibrant community of artists, designers and creative technologists through arebyte Studios, an initiative that provides affordable workspaces to 150 creative professionals across London.
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arebyte Annual Report and Accounts 2020
Programme 2020 - Systems
Programme 2020 Systems
arebyte 2020 programme themed ‘Systems’ discusses the erratic interplay between the systems we encounter on a daily basis, and how we might use parts of these systems to reconfigure our understanding of the world.
From global infrastructures of economics and finance, to organic and environmental systems of growth and reproduction; from computational and technological systems, to collaborative and interdisciplinary systems of discourse and pedagogy, the way our world functions is brought into conversation, opening up a dialogue for critique and exchange.
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arebyte Annual Report and Accounts 2020 Programme 2020 - Systems
Trickle Down, A New Vertical Sovereignty , Gif, Helen Knowles (2020)
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arebyte Gallery
arebyte Annual Report and Accounts 2020
From net art’s inception in the 90s to more recent innovations in computer and immersive technology, arebyte Gallery leads a pioneering programme of multimedia installations in London that push the boundaries of digital art.
Installation view of Trickle Down, A New Vertical Sovereignty , Helen Knowles, arebyte Gallery (2020). Image: David Oates
HELEN KNOWLES Trickle Down: A New Vertical Sovereignty January 2020
Solo exhibition co-produced with Future Everything with support from Arts Council England, Whitworth Gallery, The University of Manchester, FACT and One London Bridge
Trickle Down, A New Vertical Sovereignty is a tokenised four-screen video installation and generative soundscape attached to the blockchain, which explored value systems and wealth disparity. The artwork is composed of auction scenes, performances and choral interludes by different communities such as prisoners, blockchain technology employees, market sellers, and Sotheby’s auction bidders.
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arebyte Gallery
arebyte Annual Report and Accounts 2020
Going Away.tv Live - The Retreat , arebyte Gallery (2020). Image: Max Colson
GOING AWAY.TV LIVE - THE RETREAT March 2020
Guest curated by Going away TV Marc Blazel and Alex Harding as part of the Wrong Biennale, including live acts by WorstWorldProblems, Cosmic Caz, Meg Jenkins, Louis Judkins and Adam Paroussos.
Inspired by public access TV and late night talk shows and as part of the Wrong Biennale, Going Away.tv, an online platform hosting live streamed artists’ moving image 24/7, is invited to turn arebyte Gallery into a TV studio, where viewers become the audience for a one off special broadcast, a livestreamed variety show with music, comedy, performances and live visuals from the online platform Going Away.tv archive, featuring 79 artists including Ollie Dook, Louise Ashcroft, Rosie McGinn.They featured work from Duncan Poulton, Louis Judkins, Nikki Lam, Corie McGowan, Chris Collins, Molly Erin McCarthy, Stelios Ilchouk, Ian Bruner and Natalia Skobeeva.
OLIA LIALINA Best Effort Network March - July 2020
In collaboration with HeK (Basel), The Photographers’ Gallery (London), the Open Data Institute (London) and Birmingham Open Media (Birmingham)
Spanning more than 25 years, 90’s net art pioneer Olia Lialina’s work addresses the systematic nature of the Internet through manifestations of intimacy between hardware, software and human mediation. Creating links between the physical body and the virtual space, Olia presents herself in constructed online spaces through her ongoing Network Portraits series and GIF models, accessing and revealing the underlying codes and protocols of developers.
Installation view of Best Effort Network , Olia Lialina, arebyte Gallery (2020). Image: Max Colson
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arebyte Gallery
arebyte Annual Report and Accounts 2020
Installation view of POWERPLAY , arebyte Gallery (2020). Image: Max Colson
August - September 2020 December - March 2021 at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo
Co-commissioned with the National Gallery Zimbabwe, with support from the British Council, including works by Mr Color, Bolatito Aderemi Ibitola, Vincent Bezuidenhout, Scumboy, King Debs, Mbakisi Sibanda, Kumbirai Makumbe, and Isaac Kariuki. Virtual Reality iteration by Christopher MacInnes
POWERPLAY foregrounds the digital arts scene in Africa and presents work by digital artists who are from or based in Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Discussing the use of technology in creating a sense of identity and place within a digitised world, the artists in the exhibition look at the relationships of power experienced in varying ways. Through newly commissioned and re-imagined work, POWERPLAY addresses isolation and alienation; societal bias around gender and race; transformation of being; the politics of borders and migration; dark markets of trade; and communities who work outside of the mainstream economy.
ALAN WARBURTON RGBFAQ
October 2020 - May 2021
RGBFAQ new commission by UK based artist Alan Warburton comprises a research-led experiential exhibition in which the audience navigates a "blackbox" set populated by gigantic geometric sculptures. Warburton’s ambitious new video essay is projection mapped onto this sculptural background, expanding the form of his popular video essays (Goodbye Uncanny Valley, Fairytales of Motion) into an immersive 3D space, with a soundtrack by David Kamp.
Installation view of RGBFAQ , Alan Warburton, 2020. Image: Max Colson
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arebyte Gallery
arebyte Annual Report and Accounts 2020
April - August 2020
arebyte yearly artist development programme hotel generation mentors the next generation of UK digital artists during the critical early stages of establishing a career in the arts. It equips young artists with the ability to manage sustainable careers and expose them to new audiences in London, with the aim to expand their network and foster new opportunities.
Four participants from UK cities are selected through an open call to take part in a development programme including curatorial guidance, crit by guest artists, studio visits, digital skills and coding workshops, fundraising and marketing workshops.
The programme culminates in a solo show at arebyte Gallery for the winning artists shortlisted by a panel of judges. The three other finalists have the opportunity to show an online iteration of their work as part of arebyte on Screen.
Still from Tender spot in hard code , Kate Frances Still from [Ad]ssemblage , Radley Cook, 2021 Lingard, 2021
HOTEL GENERATION 2020 PANEL OF JUDGES
Zach Blas
(Artist and writer, London)
HOTEL GENERATION 2020 PARTICIPANTS
Helen Starr
(Curator-in-residence at FACT, Liverpool)
Kate Frances Lingard Glasgow & Blackpool 2020 Winning Artist
Hannah Redler Hawes
(Associate Art Curator and Director, Data as Culture at the ODI, London)
Georgia Tucker Birmingham
Erin Weible
(Engagement Director at Microsoft Art Collection, Seattle)
Sarah Danaher Leicester & Leeds
Klio Krajewska
(Head of New Media Arts Development at Watermans Art Centre, London).
Radley Cook Penzance
Still from Dataism Confessional , Sarah Danaher, Still from Advena , Georgia Tucker, 2021 2021
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arebyte On Screen
arebyte Annual Report and Accounts 2020
THE ART OF NO LIKES
arebyte on Screen is an expanded and innovative platform experimenting with new forms of curating online from digital animations, videos, or web-based interactive experiences.
April - July 2020
Guest-curated by HERVISIONS with works by Brenna Murphy, Sarah Friend, Sandra Crisp and Julieta Gil
Conceived by Hervision, a femme-focussed curatorial agency run by Zaiba Jabber, The Art Of No Likes is an ongoing critical investigation into the implications of standardisations within social media infrastructures that harvest, manifest and intertwine the production of exhibitions in time-based media. The project shines a critical gaze on the gatekeepers of these infrastructures, their associated “economies of like” and related systems of value judgments inherent to capitalist social media platforms.
Still from Perverse Affordances , Sarah Friend, 2020
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arebyte On Screen
arebyte Annual Report and Accounts 2020
In-Grid, 2020
IN-GRID June - July 2020
Goldsmiths Computing Department Residency with works by Daniah Alsaleh, Rebecca Aston, Baqi Ba, Megan Benson, Jingyi Chen, Batool Desouky, Panja Göbel, Robert Hall, Veera Jussila, James Lawton, Yasmin Morgan, Lauma Muižaraja, Karen Okpoti, Gabor Paszti, Hazel Ryan, Annan Sang, George Simms, Katie Tindle, Johanna de Verdier, Hristo Yordanov, Ziwei Wu, Yishuai Zhang
Through a public programme of talks, artistic intervention, performances, the live platform In-Grid created and run by the students with arebyte's support questioned how we communicate as individuals and as collectives, the potential of the digital, and its threat to privacy, agency and equity.
REAL TIME CONSTRAINTS July - September 2020
Co-curated with Luba Elliot with works by Gretchen Andrew, Sofia Crespo X Dark Fractures, DISNOVATION, Jake Elwes, Ben Grosser, Libby Heaney, and Joel Simon
Taking the form of a browser plug-in, the exhibition brings forward the complexities of the present-tense in light of the emergence of technologies such as artificial intelligence, algorithms, and machine learning, big. The exhibition reveals itself as a series of pop-ups where works generated using real-time information are disseminated over the duration of a typical working day, interrupting the viewer’s screen to provide a ‘stopping cue’ from relentless scrolling, email notifications and other computer-centered, interface-driven work.
Still from Zizi - Queering the Dataset , Jake Elwes, 2019
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arebyte On Screen
arebyte Annual Report and Accounts 2020
Hypertension , still from reality island is elsewhere , Katrin Niedermeier (2019/2020)
HYPERTENSION
August - October 2020
Guest-curated by Pylon Hub with works by Katrin Niedermeier and Johanna Bruckner
Hypertension looks into concepts of the human body and imagines possible current and future scenarios of human expression, intimacy and body related issues in the virtual and the analogue space, with works spanning video, animation, text and augmented reality.
ART HOMEPAGE FAIR
November 2020 - January 2021
Guest-curated by IDPW and EXONEMO with works by Tiz Creel, Alex Kiefer, jeeyoonhyun, Cezar Mocan, Guillaume Piccarreta, zzyw, James Scott, Claudia Hart, JF DONALDSON, TOFU, forevermidi.com, beverley, Sasha lynn Roberts, Dominik Podsiadły, albertallgaier, EARTH HALL, Rebecca Edwards, Garry Ing, Pablo, Konstantina Mavridou, sandra araújo, Matthew Keff, Molly, Kevin Cadena, Yiran Wang, Sembo, ninini, Mark Ramos, Michael Mandiberg, Compiler, Angy Vardalou, Image Field by Jieyuan Huang, Jody Zellen, Ráchel Plutón, Follow The Gloss, Shinji Toya, bjørn magnhildøen, Ryan Patterson, Babak Ahteshamipour, Claire Yspol, Faith Holland, Alix Van Ripato, bob, période, dvd, jiawen, Aidan Lincoln, Pat Shiu, Patrick Boehmcke, zsolt, Domenico Barra [Altered_Data], Florian Braakman, hgw, Aoibheann Brady, TOMAKI, Lee Tusman, karina zavidova
Art Homepage Fair is an online fair that brings together art homepages, or “homemade” webpages. Creators from different backgrounds are invited to exhibit one homepage each on the site. Visitors are able to browse the entries and encounter unique art homepages, communicate with creators, and discover a new home of the internet.
Art Homepage Fair , arthomepagefair.net, Ryan Patterson, 2020
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arebyte On Screen
arebyte Annual Report and Accounts 2020
THE ARTIST CHAIN Aug - Dec 2020
The Artist chain is an endless digital trail of works where arebyte selects the first artist of the chain, who then invites the next artist to participate, forming a dialogue between peer groups around the world.
Heath Bunting Velocity
Nora Adwan The Screens
Maria Zeylan Kanellou Mutation
Ariel Helyes Born Today Dead Today
Garrett Pruter Halloween
Gabriela Saucedo Sixth Sun
Mutedasmanner resting//another love language
Maria Fernanda eccchobunny Labor Studies 0x000000EF (CRITICAL PROCESS_DIED)_
Alice VandeleurBoorer Jet Slag
Jay Darlington
free_fall
Sarah Ann Banks Reverse Wormhole
Laurie Lax A Thing Done and Who Did it
Benjamin Hall A Compression Artefactualism
Snow Yunxue Fu Conjoin (Chapter 3)
Eamon O’Kane Kjersti Sundland SOAP To the thinker who is not the gardener, only the soil of the plants that grow
Nuka Nayu SLEEPAWAKE CHAOSKAMPF: OFFICIAL TRAILER
Lissette Bustamante Yendo
Abbi Fletcher Lily Gabrielle Williams CYMON System.Error
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arebyte Skills
arebyte Annual Report and Accounts 2020
arebyte Skills features short courses on digital theory and workshops on creative software and hardware led by digital artists, for all ages.
DIGITAL SKILLS WORKSHOPS
From introductory to more advanced sessions on coding, 3D designing, sound editing, cross-platform game engines and virtual world-making, arebyte Skills provides participants hands-on tools for digital making to apply in their creative development, whether they are beginners or art practitioners.
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arebyte Skills
arebyte Annual Report and Accounts 2020
DIGITAL ART CURATION SHORT COURSES
How can artists use social media to show their works? What strategies can you employ to curate a show on an algorithm-driven digital platform? These are just a few of the questions addressed by curator and media theorist, Filippo Lorenzin, in this 8-episodes online course looking at the history and theory of making and disseminating art projects on and using the web.
DIGITAL MEDITATION SERIES
More than Mindfulness is a three-part meditation series led by Dr. Tamara Russell, a clinical psychologist, neuroscientist and martial artist specializing in creative mindfulness and mindful technology. These short meditations are designed to help artists during the pandemic to navigate these turbulent times through practicing self-care, taking time to rest and restore, but also to tame and train our attention.
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arebyte Annual Report and Accounts 2020 Thank You
Thank you!
forevermidi.com Gabor Paszti Gabriela Saucedo Garrett Pruter Garry Ing George Simms Georgia Tucker Goingaway.tv Gretchen Andrew Guillaume Piccarreta Guy Oliver Hannah Marine Hazel Brill Hazel Ryan Heath Bunting Helen Knowles
Aaron McCarthy Christopher MacInnes Aaron Ratajczyk Cielo Saucedo Abbi Fletcher CJ Park Adam Paroussos Claire Yspol Adonis Archontides Claude Piguet Aidan Lincoln Claudia Hart Ajla Yi Coby-Rae Crosbie Alan Warburton collectif_fact albertallgaier Compiler Alex Harding Corie McGowan Alex Kiefer Cosmic Caz Alfie Dwyer Cyrus Hung Alice Vandeleur-Boorer Daniah Alsaleh Alif Ibrahim Daniel Seo Alix Van Ripato Dark Fractures Amanda Rice Dave Greber Amy Robson digostudio Angy Vardalou DISNOVATION Annan Sang Domenico Barra [Altered_Data] Annelore Schneider Dominik Podsiadły Antonio Roberts Don Elektro Aoibheann Brady Doreen A. Ríos April Lin Dr. Tamara Russell Ariel Helyes Duncan Poulton Babak Ahteshamipour dvd Baqi Ba Eamon O’Kane Batool Desouky EARTH HALL Ben Grosser Edgar Alan Rodriguez Castillo Benjamin Hall Edward Martin Bertram von Undall Ellie Antoniou beverley Elliott Burns bjørn magnhildøen Enda O’Riordan bob Esther Gatón Bolatito Aderemi Ibitola Everest Pipkin Brenna Murphy EXONEMO Cezar Mocan Faith Holland Charlie Ratcliffe Fengyi Zhu Chinar Shah Fergus Carmichael Chloe Alexandra Thompson Filippo Lorenzin Chris Collins Florian Braakman Chris Paul Daniels Follow The Gloss
hgw Hristo Yordanov Ian Bruner IDPW
Inhee Park Isaac Kariuki Isabella Benshimol Jake Elwes Jakob Kudsk Steensen James Lawton James McColl James Scott James Tabbush Jasmine Lin Jay Darlington jeeyoonhyun Jessica Ekomane Jessy Jetpacks JF DONALDSON jiawen Jieyuan Huang Jingyi Chen Jinia Tasnin Jody Zellen Joel Simon
Edgar Alan Rodriguez Castillo Edward Martin Ellie Antoniou Elliott Burns Enda O’Riordan Esther Gatón Everest Pipkin EXONEMO Faith Holland Fengyi Zhu Fergus Carmichael Filippo Lorenzin Florian Braakman Follow The Gloss
artists and curators we worked with in 2020
Sasha lynn Roberts Scumboy (Oliver Hunter Pohorille) Selden Paterson Sembo Shinji Toya Sid Smith Smriti Mehra Snow Yunxue Fu Sofia Crespo Sora Park Stach Zagorski Stelios Ilchouk Stine Deja Studio Above&Below Tabitha Beresford-Webb Tea Strazicic Ted Le Swer Theo Tagholm Thomas Yeomans Tiz Creel TOFU TOMAKI Tomasz Kobialka Veera Jussila Vincent Bezuidenhout Wilf Speller Will Kendrick William Cook WorstWorldProblems Xinyu Ma Yasamin Ghalehnoie Yasmin Morgan Yiran Wang Yishuai Zhang Yoojin Lee Zaiba Jabbar (HERVISIONS) Ziwei Wu zsolt zzyw
Johanna Bruckner Johanna de Verdier Johnny Ray Alt Julieta Gil Kara Gut Karen Okpoti karina zavidova Kate Frances Lingard Katie Tindle Katrin Niedermeier Katrina Stamatopoulos Kendall Glover Kevin Cadena Kiah Reading King Debs Kjersti Sundland Konstantina Mavridou Kumbirai Makumbe Lambert Duchesne Lauma Muižaraja Laurie Lax Lee Tusman Leslie Johnson Libby Heaney Lily Gabrielle Williams Lissette Bustamante Lotte Rose Kjær Skau Louis Judkins Louise Ashcroft Luba Elliot Luke Nairn Marc Blazel María Fernanda Maria Zeylan Kanellou Marion Balac Mark Ramos Mati Jhurry Matthew Keff Maurício Joseb Mbakisi Sibanda Meg Jenkins
Megan Benson Michael Mandiberg Molly Erin McCarthy Mr Color (Niyi Okeowo) Mutedasmanner Naomi Fitzsimmons Natalia Skobeeva Nikki Lam
ninini Nora Adwan Nuka Nayu Olia Lialina (RU/DE) Ollie Dook Pablo Panja Göbel Pat Shiu Patrícia Bandeira Patrick Boehmcke période Petra Szemán Pita Arreola-Burns Pylon Hub Lab Rachel Falconer Ráchel Plutón Radley Cook Rebeca Romero Rebecca Aston Rebecca Edwards Rita Josy Haddoub Robert Hall Rosie McGinn Ruaidhri Ryan Rufus Rock Ryan Patterson Samuel Fouracre sandra araújo Sandra Crisp Sara Sassanelli Sarah Ann Banks Sarah Danaher Sarah Friend
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arebyte Studios
arebyte Annual Report and Accounts 2020
AREBYTE STUDIOS - LONDON CITY ISLAND
arebyte supports a vibrant community of artists, designers and creative technologists through arebyte Studios, an initiative that provides affordable workspaces to 150 professionals across London.
In partnership with developers, councils and private landlords, arebyte sets up flexible workspaces as part of a cultural placemaking strategy. preserving the affordability of premises for artists, creative start-ups and micro businesses, with the ambition to nurture London’s creative workforce and art community.
arebyte Studio at London City Island has been set up in partnership with Ballymore, with support from Studiomakers, an initiative led by Outset Contemporary Art Fund. Since 2017, the new development hosts an exciting community of 30 artists, designers, makers and creative businesses, with studios, offices and a co-working space.
Kokomelt Ltd, arebyte Studios @London City Island, 2020
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arebyte Annual Report and Accounts 2020 arebyte Studios
Young Artist Club, F.A.T. Studio, arebyte Studios @Old Kent Road (2020). Image: Kate Ducker
AREBYTE STUDIOS - PECKHAM
Opened in July 2020, arebyte Studio site on Old Kent Road is located on a two-storey warehouse housing 45 makers and designers. It includes an exhibition space run by artist-led collective Superfluous, and the Old Kent Road Arts Club run by F.A.T. Studio, which connects people living and working in the area through activities for local 15-18 year old, weekly skill-share sessions for local craft enthusiasts, and community-led events.
AREBYTE STUDIOS - CAMBERWELL
arebyte Studios in Camberwell is situated within an industrial complex and comprises 80 creative workspaces for artists and makers. The site also includes a venue available to hire for rehearsals, photo and film shootings.
arebyte Studios @Burgess Business Park, 2020
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Press Highlights
arebyte Annual Report and Accounts 2020
Press Highlights
Trickle Down, A New Vertical Sovereignty featured in CLOT Magazine
POWERPLAY featured in NewsDay
Best Effort Network featured in Financial Times and The New York Times, Washington Post and Art in America
RGBFAQ featured in CLOT Magazine
Artist Olia Lialina interviewed for Best Effort Network in Art Forum, Elephant Magazine, Der Spiegel and The Quietus
Real-Time Constraints featured in Art Monthly
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Report of the Trustees and financial statement for the year ending 31 December 2020
arebyte Annual Report and Accounts 2020
Report of the Trustees and financial statement for the year ending 31 December 2020
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
The trustees are pleased to present their annual report together with the charity’s statement of accounts for the financial year ended 31 December 2020.
The financial statements comply with the Charity Act (2011), the memorandum and articles of association of arebyte (‘foundation model’ offered by the Charity Commission), and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) "Accounting and Reporting by Charities" applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
In pursuing arebyte’s charitable objectives through its main activities, the trustees hold regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.
The organisation’s charitable objectives as registered with the Charity Commission are to advance
education in the fields of digital and performance art by the establishment and maintenance of an art gallery, and in particular the production of artistic projects, and facilitating the development of emerging artists and their audiences.
arebyte’s mission is to bring innovative perspectives to art through new technologies.
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arebyte Gallery commissions artists who push the boundaries of digital art through multimedia installations that use projection mapping, spatial soundscapes, virtual and augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and computer generated imagery.
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arebyte on Screen offers artists and curators an expanded and innovative online platform for digital animations, videos, webbased interactive experiences and curatorial interventions.
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arebyte Skills features short courses and workshops to creative software providing practitioners and newcomers with practical techniques for digital making.
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arebyte Studios supports a vibrant community of artists, designers and creative technologists through affordable workspaces
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Report of the Trustees and financial statement for the year ending 31 December 2020
arebyte Annual Report and Accounts 2020
The 2020-2022 three-year audience development plan aims to:
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Grow audiences: reach more people online and onsite across all audience segments
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Maintain existing audiences: increase depth of experience and develop loyalty
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Diversity in programming: embrace a wide range of influences to ensure underrepresented communities of artists are incorporated into the programme
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Attract the less engaged to contemporary and digital art
arebyte’s longer term plan is to set up a digital art center in London centered around digital experience, digital making and digital training.
GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
RECRUITMENT AND APPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEE S
The members of the Board are the trustees of the charity under charity law. They are the only voting members. Each trustee is appointed for a term of 2 years. All trustees offer their services on a voluntary basis and no funds are held as custodian trustees.
In selecting a new trustee, the trustees must have regard to the skills, knowledge and experience needed for the effective management of the charity.
Appointment of trustees is by resolution passed at a properly convened meeting of trustees. Before or on the appointment of a new member of the trustee body, a candidate is provided with a copy of the constitution and the latest Trustees’ Annual Report and statement of accounts.
ORGANISATION
The day-to-day direction of arebyte’s affairs is the responsibility of the Managing director and the Creative director who reports to the Board during the trustee’s meeting or in between meetings if needed.
RISK MANAGEMENT
The major risks to arebyte’s activities, finance and reputation have been identified by the Trustees and are reviewed at each Trustees meetings. arebyte rates the importance of risks through consideration of the likelihood of an event occurring, and the seriousness that would arise if the event were to occur. Preventive mitigation actions to reduce the likelihood and/or seriousness are identified, and implemented as a
priority for higher risks.
arebyte has successfully mitigated the risk associated with the Covid-19 pandemic (insufficient staff resources, drop in audiences attendance due to social distancing measures and lockdowns) by shifting elements of its programme online, allowing greater attendance and increased flexibility in terms of project management.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCES PROGRAMME
Our initiatives provide vital opportunities every year to support the professional development of curators and artists working within digital cultures. From making new work, curating exhibitions, performing, giving talks, delivering workshops or writing contributions, arebyte invites multiple voices to take part in the programme.
arebyte aims to inspire more people to engage with digital art, by experiencing arebyte Gallery’s multimedia installations, visiting arebyte on Screen’s online experiences and taking part in arebyte Skill’s digital making workshops.
Following the outbreak of the coronavirus, arebyte did rapidly adapt to the changing environment. During the lockdowns, we seized the opportunities digital can unlock in order to stay connected to our audiences and honour our ongoing commitments with artists. Benefiting from a strong expertise in working online, arebyte shifted all of its arebyte Skill programme online, and developed innovative digital tools to curate and bring exhibitions straight to the screen of the viewers.
This led to a great coverage in renowned outlets, cementing arebyte’s reputation as one of the most innovative digital art galleries in the UK.
In 2020, arebyte tripled its online audiences with 312,000 viewers, evenly spread across London, the UK and abroad, situating arebyte on the international scene.
The existing reach outside of Europe to South America, Asia, Australia and Africa has grown impressively, with audiences in African countries quadrupling, thanks to the collaboration with the National Gallery in Zimbabwe on Powerplay featuring artists from Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and Zimbabwe.
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Report of the Trustees and financial statement for the year ending 31 December 2020
arebyte Annual Report and Accounts 2020
WORKSPACE PROVISION
All studios sites have been kept open during the pandemic, with measures put in place to work safely, with the primary focus to keep the studio holders as safe and protected as possible from spreading and contracting the Coronavirus, whilst working in the workspace.
In response to the financial pressure faced by the art and creative businesses community, arebyte offered rent and utility reductions to its studio holders the most at risk, from March to June 2020. The discount has been extended until December, thanks to the additional support of the Creative Workspace Resilience Fund from Creative Land Trust.
In addition, arebyte provided support and advice on available grants from councils and charities to help balance the loss of income experienced by many.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
PERFORMANCE
Total income amounts to £456,290 in 2020 (2019: £474,606). Income from charitable activities has increased to £439,966 (2019: £391,355). as a result of an increase of grant income to
£109,537 (2019: £39,440) thanks to the British Council’s contribution to Powerplay exhibition, the support provided from Tower Hamlets Council during the months the exhibition space was closed, and the Creative Land Trust’s Creative Workspace Resilience Fund towards arebyte Studios tenants.
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EFFICIENCY
arebyte is focused on delivering the greatest possible public benefit to the widest possible public; this requires to keep our support costs and overall return on investment under close scrutiny. In 2020 arebyte’s support costs increased to £55,252 (2019: £48,837).
RESERVES POLICY
The Trustees review arebyte’s reserves policy on an annual basis to consider the difference between the yearly expenditures and income, and ensure that adequate resources are available to meet liabilities.
The charity's reserve policy is to ensure that there are sufficient funds available to meet the anticipated expenditure requirements for a period between 3-6 months. At the end of the 2020 financial year, the reserve level amounted to £118,148 (2019: £82,100) and therefore within the threshold of the policy (£90,000 to £180,000).
REFERENCE & ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Charity name: arebyte CIO Charity type: Charitable incorporated organisation Charity number: 1167185 Registration date: 18 May 2016 Principal office: Java House 7 Botanic Square London City Island E14 0LG Trustees: Nimrod Vardi Jonatan Jona Adriana Marques Hajnalka Semsei Guy Armitage Financial year end: 31 December Independent examiner: Morris Crocker
Morris Crocker Station House, 50 North Street, Havant, Hants PO9 1QU
Bankers:
HSBC Bank plc 465 Bethnal Green Road, London E2 9QW
PayPal (Europe) S.à.r.l. et Cie, S.C.A, 22-24 Boulevard Royal L-2449, Luxembourg
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Report of the Trustees and financial statement for the year ending 31 December 2020
arebyte Annual Report and Accounts 2020
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ INDEPENDENT RESPONSIBILITIES EXAMINER’S REPORT TO TRUSTEES
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Annual Report and the statement of accounts in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of arebyte (the Trust) for the year ended 31 December 2020.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND BASIS OF REPORT
As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').
The trustees have had due regard to guidance published by the Charity Commission on public benefit. They believe the activities and achievements discussed in this report clearly show how the charity brings benefit to the public. The trustees are not aware and have no knowledge of any serious incidents or other such matters that should be reported to the Commission.
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Approved by order of the board of trustees on 25 October 2021 and signed on its behalf by:
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S STATEMENT
Since your charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a listed body. I can confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a registered member of FCCA which is one of the listed bodies. I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have
....................................................... Hajnalka Semsei - Trustee
come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
....................................................... PJ Underwood
FCCA Morris Crocker Chartered Accountants, Station House, North Street, Havant Hampshire PO9 1QU
Date: 28 October 2021
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Statement of financial activities
Balance Sheet
arebyte Annual Report and Accounts 2020
AREBYTE
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
Notes INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 2 Charitable activities 3 Programme and Studios Total EXPENDITURE ON Charitable activities 4 Programme and Studios NET INCOME RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD |
Unrestricted fund £ 16,324 355,429 371,753 341,268 30,485 86,236 116,721 |
Restricted funds £ - 84,537 84,537 80,133 4,404 - 4,404 |
2020 Total funds £ 16,324 439,966 456,290 421,401 34,889 86,236 121,125 |
2019 Total funds £ 83,251 391,355 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 474,606 403,918 |
||||
| 70,688 15,548 |
||||
| 86,236 |
AREBYTE
| BALANCE SHEET 31 DECEMBER 2020 Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 9 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 10 Cash at bank CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 11 NET CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES NET ASSETS FUNDS 13 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds TOTAL FUNDS |
2020 £ 2,977 36,032 151,653 187,685 (69,537) 118,148 121,125 121,125 116,721 4,404 121,125 |
2019 £ 4,136 4,893 137,556 142,449 (60,349) 82,100 86,236 86,236 86,236 - 86,236 |
|---|---|---|
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on ............................................. and were signed on its behalf by: 25 October 2021
............................................. H Semsei - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
The notes form part of these financial statements
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Notes to the financial statements
arebyte Annual Report and Accounts 2020
AREBYTE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. 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.
Financial instruments
The charity only enters into basic financial instruments transactions that result in the recognition of financial assets and liabilities like trade and other accounts receivable and payable and investments in stocks and shares. The measurement basis used for these instruments is detailed below.
Debtors and cash at bank
AREBYTE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES
| Donations | 2020 2019 £ £ 16,324 83,251 |
|---|---|
During the year donations in kind were received from Ballymore for rent and service charges totalling £15,916 (2019: £37,926) and other small donations totalling £408 (2019:£290). No donations were received from Grosvenor estate in 2020 (2019: £45,000).
3. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
| Activity Grants Programme and Studios Curatorial income Programme and Studios Ticket sales Programme and Studios Art sales Programme and Studios Studio rental income Programme and Studios Venue hire income Programme and Studios Grants received, included in the above, are as follows: ACE Arts Council England - Programme 2020 Diversity Art Forum British council - Power Play Creative Land Trust - Creative Workspace Resilient Fund Tower Hamlets Council - Covid 19 |
2020 £ 109,537 500 300 500 325,829 3,300 439,966 2020 £ 45,000 - 30,000 9,537 25,000 109,537 |
2019 £ 39,400 1,600 (28) 850 335,910 13,623 |
|---|---|---|
| 391,355 | ||
| 2019 £ 39,000 400 - - - |
||
| 39,400 |
Grants received, included in the above, are as follows:
4. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS
| Programme and Studios | Direct Costs £ 366,149 |
Support costs (see note 5) Totals £ £ 55,252 421,401 |
|---|---|---|
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due. Cash at bank and in hand included cash held on deposit or in a current account.
Creditors and provisions
Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.
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Notes to the financial statements
arebyte Annual Report and Accounts 2020
AREBYTE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
5. SUPPORT COSTS
| Management £ Programme and Studios 52,730 |
G Finance £ 4 |
overnance costs Totals £ £ 2,518 55,252 |
|---|---|---|
Support costs, included in the above, are as follows:
Management
| 2020 Programme and Studios £ Wages 27,680 Internet 7,208 Postage and stationery 1,129 Advertising & marketing 9,315 Books - Staff training 198 IT Software 2,573 Subscriptions 199 Travel & hospitality 743 Depreciation of tangible and heritage assets 3,685 52,730 Finance 2020 Programme and Studios £ Bank charges 4 Governance costs 2020 Programme and Studios £ Accountancy and consultancy 2,518 |
2019 Total activities £ 23,637 4,688 642 3,837 158 689 1,215 64 2,500 4,185 41,615 2019 Total activities £ 27 2019 Total activities £ 7,195 |
|---|---|
AREBYTE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
6. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
In terms of remuneration of trustees, the charity uses as basis for its governance the model constitution provided by the Charity Commission, specifically clause 6. Of the charity trustees in 2020, one trustee was compensated for their services during the financial year, which means in reference to clause 6.(3)(g) that the majority of the charity trustees then in office were not in receipt of remuneration or payments authorised by clause 6. Nimrod Vardi was paid £17,400 (2019: £18,420) specifically and exclusively for his extensive managerial attention to the gallery and property operations in this dynamic period of the charity. Nimrod Vardi stepped down as Trustee on the 17th October 2020 therefore no salaries after October 2020 were a related party issue. No trustee was paid for their function as trustee.
Trustees' expenses
There were no trustee's travel expenses paid for the year ended 31 December 2020 (2019: £26).
7. STAFF COSTS
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:
| Administration Charitable activities No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000. 8. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL A INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies Charitable activities Programme and Studios Total EXPENDITURE ON Charitable activities Programme and Studios NET INCOME RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD |
CTIVITIES - 2 Unrestricted fund £ 83,251 351,955 435,206 364,518 70,688 15,548 86,236 |
2020 1 1 2 019 Restricted funds £ - 39,400 39,400 39,400 - - - |
2019 1 - 1 Total funds £ 83,251 391,355 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 474,606 403,918 |
|||
| 70,688 15,548 |
|||
| 86,236 |
Page 17
continued...
27
Notes to the financial statements
arebyte Annual Report and Accounts 2020
AREBYTE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
9. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
| Plant and machinery £ COST At 1 January 2020 11,918 Additions 2,308 At 31 December 2020 14,226 DEPRECIATION At 1 January 2020 8,244 Charge for year 3,330 At 31 December 2020 11,574 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 December 2020 2,652 At 31 December 2019 3,674 |
Fixtures and fittings £ 3,123 - 3,123 2,661 282 2,943 180 462 |
Library books £ 582 217 799 582 72 654 145 - |
Totals £ 15,623 2,525 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18,148 | |||
| 11,487 3,684 |
|||
| 15,171 | |||
| 2,977 | |||
| 4,136 |
10. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
| Trade debtors Prepayments and accrued income |
2020 £ 28,532 7,500 36,032 |
2019 £ 993 3,900 |
|---|---|---|
| 4,893 |
11. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
| Studio holders deposits Accruals and deferred income Brought forward Amount released to incoming resources Amount deferred in year Carried forward |
2020 £ 67,901 1,636 69,537 2020 £ - - - - |
2019 £ 58,745 1,604 |
|---|---|---|
| 60,349 | ||
| 2019 £ 1,373 (1,373) - - |
AREBYTE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
12. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
Fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds Power Play exhibition TOTAL FUNDS Net movement in funds, included in the abov Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds ACE Arts Council England - Programme 2020 Power Play exhibition Creative Land Trust - Creative Workspace Resilient Fund TOTAL FUNDS |
Unrestricted fund £ 2,977 183,281 (69,537) 116,721 e are as follows |
Restricted funds £ - 4,404 - 4,404 At 1.1.20 £ 86,236 - 86,236 Incoming resources £ 371,753 45,000 30,000 9,537 84,537 456,290 |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| : |
||||
13. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
Comparatives for movement in funds
| Unrestricted funds General fund TOTAL FUNDS |
At 1.1.19 £ 15,548 15,548 |
Net movement in funds £ 70,688 70,688 |
At 31.12.19 £ 86,236 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 86,236 | |||
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Notes to the financial statements
arebyte Annual Report and Accounts 2020
AREBYTE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
13. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund Restricted funds ACE Arts Council England - Programme 2020 Diversity Art Forum TOTAL FUNDS |
Incoming resources £ 435,206 39,000 400 39,400 474,606 |
Resources expended £ (364,518) (39,000) (400) (39,400) (403,918) |
Movement in funds £ 70,688 - - - 70,688 |
|---|---|---|---|
ACE Arts Council England Restricted financing of Concertina exhibition launching the new gallery. PowerPlay A catalyst for the creation of art that reaches new audiences in Sub-Saharan Africa and the UK.
The Creative Land Trust To reduce occupancy costs for artists, makers and other creative tenants during Covid - 19.
14. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
The charity enjoys a close working relationship with Arbeit Project Ltd, whose two owner-directors Hajnalka Semsei and Nimrod Vardi were trustees of Arebyte during the year. Nimrod Vardi stepped down as a trustee on the 17th October 2020 but is still acting as a Creative Director.
Nimrod Vardi was paid £17,400 (2019: £18,420) specifically and exclusively for his extensive managerial attention to the gallery and property operations in this dynamic period of the charity. No trustee was paid for their function as trustee.
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