## QUEERCIRCLE LIMITED ## TRUSTEES� REPORT AND UNAUDITED ACCOUNTS ## FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2023 Charity Registration No. 1194564 Company Registration No. 13143331 (England and Wales) Doc ID: fa0637700c8e260eb7c24994c38c1b55352c3b69 ## QUEERCIRCLE LIMITED ## LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION |Trustees|W. Austin| |---|---| ||L. Hensfield (Treasurer)| ||K.V. Hwami| ||I. Julien| ||L. McKinney| ||L. Rezende| ||G. Rolls-Bentley Wilde (Co-Chair)| ||J. Ryan| ||R. Tovey| ||G. Scott Wright (Co-Chair)| |Charity number|1194564| |Company number|13143331| |Registered office|0.1, Building 4| ||3 Barton Yard| ||Soames Walk| ||Design District| ||Greenwich| ||SE10 0BN| |Independent examiner|Sadler Advisory Limited| ||68 Ambergate Street| ||London| ||SE17 3RX| |Bankers|CAF Bank Ltd| ||25 Kings Hill Avenue| ||Kings Hill| ||West Malling| ||ME19 4JQ| 2 Doc ID: fa0637700c8e260eb7c24994c38c1b55352c3b69 ## QUEERCIRCLE LIMITED ## CONTENTS Page Trustees� Annual Report 4-17 Statement of Trustees� Responsibilities 18 Independent Examiner�s Report 19 Statement of Financial Activities 20 Summary Income and Expenditure Account 21 Balance Sheet 22 Notes to the Accounts 23-29 3 Doc ID: fa0637700c8e260eb7c24994c38c1b55352c3b69 ## QUEERCIRCLE LIMITED ## TRUSTEES� ANNUAL REPORT ## FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2023 The trustees, who are also directors of the charity for the purpose of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 May 2023. ## REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRACTIVE DETAILS ## Company number 13143331 ## Charity registration number 1194564 ## Registered Office 0.1, Building 4 3 Barton Yard, Soames Walk, Design District, Greenwich, SE10 0BN ## Directors and Trustees The Directors of the charitable company are its Trustees for the purpose of charity law. The following Directors and Trustees served during the year: W. Austin L. Hensfield Treasurer K.V. Hwami I. Julien L. McKinney L. Rezende G. Rolls-Bentley Wilde Co-Chair J. Ryan R. Tovey G. Scott Wright Co-Chair A. Joiner Director ## Accountants Sadler Advisory Limited, 68 Ambergate Street, London SE17 3RX ## Bankers CAF Bank Ltd, 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling ME19 4JQ 4 Doc ID: fa0637700c8e260eb7c24994c38c1b55352c3b69 ## QUEERCIRCLE LIMITED ## TRUSTEES� ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUED) ## FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2023 ## OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Queercircle is an LGBTQ+ led charity working at the intersection of arts, culture and social action. Our community informed arts & culture programme has been co-designed through ongoing consultation with the LGBTQ+ community for the benefit of local, national and international communities. Queercicle exists to promote equality and diversity for the public benefit worldwide, particularly but not exclusively by: - providing a safe environment in which LGBTQ+ people may connect, create and build a sense of community; - supporting the production and presentation of art by LGBTQ+ artists; - creating opportunities for the public to access and engage with LGBTQ+ arts and culture; - promoting respect for LGBTQ+ diversity and cultural expression; - creating opportunities for international cultural exchange and interaction between LGBTQ+ artists; - strengthening links between culture and health to promote the mental well-being of LGBTQ+ people; - addressing inequalities relating to cultural identity, social justice and human rights; and - increasing diversity in the cultural and creative sectors by helping to create education, work experience and wider career and employment opportunities for LGBTQ+ people. 5 Doc ID: fa0637700c8e260eb7c24994c38c1b55352c3b69 ## QUEERCIRCLE LIMITED ## TRUSTEES� ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUED) ## FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2023 ## ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE ## Charitable activities In June 2022 we opened our multi-purpose, public facing home in North Greenwich to tackle the closure of 60% of LGBTQ+ spaces in London in the last decade. Our first year has been an intense period of practised-based research and learning to understand our role as an organisation moving from a digital programme to one with a public facing venue and a holistic programme across arts and health. Between June 2022 and May 2023 Queercircle has delivered its aims and objectives, through the following areas of activity: - Opened a permanent physical space at the Design District in North Greenwich, London. With 12-6pm opening hours (as a minimum) 6 days a week, Tuesday-Sunday; - Welcomed over 6,000 people with 60% participating in free activities (learning, health and events); - Commissioned 3 exhibitions in our main gallery: Michaela Yearwood-Dan, bones tan jones, Rafael Perez Evans as well as an open call exhibition, A-Zine and hosting the Queer Youth Art Collective�s, Tendrils exhibition. We also tested various ways of programming presentations in our reading room including a curated exhibition by our director, a collaborative participatory project with BLM Fest, and commissioning Chiizii to present existing work; - Off Site commission for Marwan Kaboor in partnership with Greenwich Peninsula and Now Gallery; - We programmed 60 free learning activities - mostly consisting of 4 week evening courses, and one-off activities. These ranged from ecological studies in partnership with the local ecology centre, theoretically based studies, and arts based learning such as our ongoing partnership with 14 poems (Partners listed below); - Developed our health and wellbeing programme to such an extent it has shifted the focus of our organisation - recognising how the organisation and programmes as a whole contribute to our health mission; - Delivered the Queering Creative Health report in partnership with UCL and established the Queering Creative Health Network, consisting of artists and participants of our programme, health professionals, academics, funders and the public sector (Partners listed below); - Commissioned 14 digital �in-conversations� with artists locally and internationally; - We provided 529 hours of free space provision to LGBTQ+ partner organisations to deliver their own programming, ranging from workshops, discussions, talks and performances (Partners listed below); - Secured 5-year funding from the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund + funding from Propel (administered through City Bridge Trust) to explore and evaluate new ways of working; and - Continued our commercial partnership with Avant Arte to produce limited edition products/prints with a percentage of proceeds supporting Queercircle�s programme; 6 Doc ID: fa0637700c8e260eb7c24994c38c1b55352c3b69 ## QUEERCIRCLE LIMITED ## TRUSTEES� ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUED) ## FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2023 ## Working with LGBTQ+ Communities We established and deepened existing community partnerships with groups led by and for 5 key demographics: young people, elders, people of colour, trans* people, and migrants as well as identifying intersectional groups (i.e Trans* Youth of Colour). In doing so, we ensured our approach, programme, cross sector partnerships and evaluation were informed by the lived experiences of our communities. We trialled ways of convening our communities including targeted interventions alongside more informal spaces to connect, rest and play - to share knowledge based on our lived experiences and co-design programmes led by and for LGBTQ+ people. We recognise the need for �safer� spaces for certain groups so tested focused and open workshops. For example, we hosted QTIBPOC Creatives - which supports young, working-class People of Colour - for their weekly mentoring sessions. We also programmed open classes that have a broad appeal to encourage wider participation, for instance, our weekly Make Time programme for people who want to meet others in a relaxed and creative setting. Our external evaluator shared the following: �I was struck by the resounding theme of needing space which is valued, permanent, consistent and stable, BUT � is flexible, accessible and not imposing structures or expectations both in its physicality and what goes on within.� We interrogated what is meant by �specialist� knowledge and championed lived experience. This approach emphasises the sharing of knowledge and resources to empower our communities. Community groups booked our spaces free of charge to deliver their own programme; strengthening civic leadership & the development of further LGBTQ+ initiatives. We directly devised and commissioned 36 learning workshops while acting as host to 27 other LGBTQ+ organisations. As well as working alongside established charities, we�ve been able to reach less formal groups of people who have struggled to find premises to meet. For example, United Queerdom- a Russian speaking LGBTQ+ migrant/refugee group (predominantly from Ukraine and Russia) - has held informal social gatherings for the last year. Their group has since grown to 70 people and they�re now formalising and developing their own strategy - something that wouldn't have been otherwise possible. We launched our CATALYST programme with the Queer Youth Art Collective who exhibited over 50 young LGBTQ+ people from across the UK via an open call. For most of the young people, this was their first time exhibiting in a gallery setting. This was accompanied by a series of public events initiated by the young people participating. United Queerdom and Queer Youth Art Collective are both positive examples of how community initiatives evolve at QUEERCIRCLE. We are now discussing ways we can equip QUEERDOM with resources and funding to support their newly developed strategy. As a result of our CATALYST programme, The Queer Youth Art Collective is now a permanent resident of Queercircle, supported with free space provision and storage to deliver their weekly activities for young people. 7 Doc ID: fa0637700c8e260eb7c24994c38c1b55352c3b69 ## QUEERCIRCLE LIMITED ## TRUSTEES� ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUED) ## FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2023 ## Exhibitions Our first year�s programme was curated around the topic of �Ecology�. In doing so, we hoped to give agency to the artists we commissioned to choose if and/or when it was of relevance to mention their sexual orientation and/or gender identity; and demonstrate that LGBTQ+ artists discuss and contribute to wider issues. By taking a year to explore the theme of ecology, we were able to commission artists with very distinct practices - dispelling the idea that there is a single �queer aesthetic�. June - September 2022 Michaela Yearwood-Dan - Let Me Hold You Stuart Feather - The Queens� Jubilee September Queer Youth Art Collective - Tendrils October - December 2022 bones tan jones - Tunnel Visions BLM Fest - Safe and Sound January 2023 Open Call - A-Zine - February May 2023 Rafael Perez Evans - Dust Bathers Chiizii - Ogoni 9 8 Doc ID: fa0637700c8e260eb7c24994c38c1b55352c3b69 ## QUEERCIRCLE LIMITED ## TRUSTEES� ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUED) ## FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2023 ## Health We have learned to take a holistic view of health, understanding how our spaces and our programmes impact the health and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ people. Some of the key topics of exploration - environmental justice, racism, grief, shame, access to healthcare services and youth services for instance - have happened organically, depending on partners or led by the community. We are understanding our unique position to convene groups and individuals around particular themes and across programmes to support the health and wellbeing for LGBTQ+ people. Given that the Creative Health Report of 2017 laid a large emphasis on health across the lifespan, we tested workshops across All Age Groups: - Families: We hosted two family events - a breakfast and book reading - and through that have formed a long term partnership with the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich - who act as a host to a network of over 300 LGBTQ+ parents. - Young People: Three different young people�s groups meet regularly in our spaces, namely the Queer Youth Art Network (18-25): QTIBPOC Creatives (18-25 working class people of colour) and Gendered Intelligence (Trans* Youth) youth groups. We also partnered with Shooters Hill Sixth Form (as mentioned above). We are currently working to find ways to come together and share expertise and resources to ensure there is a strong collaborative offer for LGBTQ+ youth as well as providing designated spaces for those with intersectional identities. - Elders (+55): We worked with residents of Tonic Housing - the first LGBTQ+ housing for LGBTQ+ elders. Residents were asked what they wanted to do across the 4 week project with artist Kit Green. They decided they wanted to make a film about what it meant to get older, and their decision to join this innovative retirement community. This film was then screened at QUEERCIRCLE and open to other LGBTQ+ elders. We also host regular visits from the charity, Opening Doors, with whom we are developing an inter-generational zine project, led by writer Yara Roderiguez Fowler. ## We tested different approaches to initiate conversations on difficult subject matter including: Workshops: We co-produced a 4 week workshop with the Greenwich Ecology Centre for queer people of colour to encourage diversity in green spaces - a partnership we are continuing beyond the pilot. We hosted a zine workshop dedicated to honouring and remembering those who had died in the trans/POC communities, either by suicide or covid, led by grief-counsellor June Bellabono. We also tested a workshop devoted to the topic of consent, led by Tomara Garrod. Talks: We hosted a talk about domestic abuse led by author Michael Handrick, opening-up wider discussion on this topic. We hosted a talk between our exhibiting artist, Michaela Yearwood-Dan and Kevin Morosky on the difficulties of navigating the art sector as a Queer Person of Colour, including issues of racism and misogyny. Somatic approaches. Gemma Lucas developed a �moving shame� yoga workshop which explored feelings of shame with an LGBTQ+ group as part of her wider research project funded by The Wellcome Trust, supported by Performing Medicine. We also programmed a wellbeing walking tour, something we are developing further with The Line. 9 Doc ID: fa0637700c8e260eb7c24994c38c1b55352c3b69 ## QUEERCIRCLE LIMITED ## TRUSTEES� ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUED) ## FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2023 ## Learning We piloted various approaches to learning including formal, informal and peer to peer learning across our three strands - arts and culture, politics and community, and workplace and skills - including: creative writing classes with Juliet Jacques, Art-ivism workshops with community campaigners and life drawing classes for women of colour. We also established a partnership with the local Shooters Hill Sixth Form - working with young people aged 1618. In response to our exhibition, Tunnel Visions, this four week project, led by Anka Dabrowska invited participants to develop creative alternative uses for the new Silvertown Tunnel. Though environmentally focused, through this programme, healthy discussions on diversity and inclusion organically happened between the group. We will be continuing this relationship with Shooters Hill Sixth Form. ## Research Following an intense first year of learning, �research� has emerged as a key driver for what we do at QUEERCIRCLE in a number of different ways. In our second year, we will test different understandings and ways of working between communities and the (art) institution, recognising that communities already hold knowledge about how to solve the challenges they face. Secondly, we partner with researchers based at Universities to help us think through specific research questions. For example, QUEERCIRCLE worked with researchers based at University College London to explore how LGBTQ people understood their health and well-being across 2022-23 - a study which culminated in our Queering Creative Health report. 10 Doc ID: fa0637700c8e260eb7c24994c38c1b55352c3b69 ## QUEERCIRCLE LIMITED ## TRUSTEES� ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUED) ## FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2023 ## Contributors Adham Faramawy Dolly Sen Juliet Jacques Aisha Shaibu-Lenoir Dylema June Bellebono Anna Moore Edwin Nasr June Lam Anka Dabrowska Elias Jahsan Kayza Rose Ayoola Solarin Elif Sarican Keith Jarret Bayr(y)am Bayr(y)amali Ellora Sutton Kevin Morosky Bernice Mulenga Fatima Tarkleman Kieran George bones tan jones Freddy McConnell Kit Green Brooke Palmieri Gemma Lucas Lara Mae Simpson Carlos Maria Romero Giovanni Aloi Lotte Jeffs Campbell X Helen Bowell Michael Handrick Chiizii Ivicore Michael McKimm Chloe Filani Jack Cooper Michael Smythe Chuquimamani Condori Jacob V Joyce Michaela Yearwood-Dan Corinne Humphreys Jakob Rowlinson Micheál McCann Dan de la Motte Jamie Lock Miranda Forrester Dan Glass Janine Francois MJ Barker Daniel Harding Joceline Howe Niya B Danni Singer Jodie Lancet Grant Pansy Bbes David McGovern Johan Mijail Piero Toto Rafael Perez Evans Sanah Ahsan Tam Hart Rhyan Jordan Shanice Bryce Taras Gembik Safiya Robinson Siddhartha V. Shah Tomara Garrod (SisterWoman Vegan) SK Grout Will Fredo Samia Dumbuya Sophie K Rosa Zachari Logan Sarah Smizz Stuart Feather 11 Doc ID: fa0637700c8e260eb7c24994c38c1b55352c3b69 ## QUEERCIRCLE LIMITED ## TRUSTEES� ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUED) ## FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2023 ## Contributors (continued) Organisations/Partners who have contributed to our programme through activities and/or free space provision: ACT UP London Arts and Health Forum Shooters Hill Sixth Form Boldface National Aids Trust Skate Gals and Pals Black Blossom Opening Doors Sketch Sesh Black Hair Stories Performing Medicine Spiritual Lesbians Bok Bindery Phytology Stonewall BLM Fest Pink Singers Stop the Silvertown Tunnel Camp Books Polari Press Coalition Clod Ensemble Queer China UK Tate LGBTQ+ Network Culture Access Queer Night Pride The Line Extinction Rebellion Queer Street Press Tonic Housing Fossil Free Pride Queer Tours of London Tower Hamlets Carers Centre Fourteen Poems Queer Youth Art Collective Undone Theatre Gendered Intelligence QTIBPOC Creatives University College London Greenwich Maritime Museum Riposte United Queerdom Grrrl Zine Root-Ed LGBT Consortium Serpentine Galleries ## Financial Review The results of the year to 31 May 2023 are set out in the statement of financial activities. Income Resources for the year are £302,248 (for the period to 31 May 2022: £182,517). Resources Expended are £322,480 (for the period to 31 May 2022: £108,886). For the year ended 31 May 2023, Queercircle shows a net deficit of £30,232 (for the period to 31 May 2022: net surplus of £73,631). As at 31 May 2023 Queercircle had net assets of £48,594 (31 May 2022: £78,826) with net current assets of £32,809 (31 May 2022: £72,513). Unrestricted funds of the charity amount to £25,645 (31 May 2022: £1,904) which makes up the General Reserves fund. Restricted funds amounted to £22,949 at 31 May 2023 (31 May 2022: 76,922). 12 Doc ID: fa0637700c8e260eb7c24994c38c1b55352c3b69 ## QUEERCIRCLE LIMITED ## TRUSTEES� ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUED) ## FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2023 ## Policy on reserves The Trustees assessed the minimum desirable level of unrestricted funds would be equivalent to three months of unrestricted expenditure on artistic programme, support and staff costs. Across 2023/24, the Charity will look to allocate unrestricted surplus to its general reserves. The Trustees will continue to keep the Charity�s financial position under review to ensure that freely available reserves are sufficient to meet its working requirements. ## Plans for the future ## Organisation and Team As of May 31 2023, we have a team of 4.4 full time equivalent (�FTE�) team members. This is below our target of 5.8 FTEs. Our key objective is to resource the charity properly to meet its aims and objectives and mitigate any risk of ill health (burnout) within the existing team. We are committed to ensuring diversity and inclusion across the sector and have secured funding for training for all staff and board members including: annual unconscious bias, trans and disability awareness training. Review our values and partnership agreements in consultation with the team, board and partners. The document outlines the principles of the organisation, code of conduct and reporting procedures. Review of recruitment practices, for staff and third party engagement (including artists, exhibitions and contracted roles), to make processes more equitable and accessible. Revision of the language and terminology used internally and externally, with guidelines that reflect our values. ## Programme We have adapted our programming in response to our learning and our community's feedback across 22/23. This has been collected through one on one interviews, project evaluations and drop-in feedback forms. ## Gallery Programme Our gallery programme will consist of five seasons (generally 10 weeks long). Each of which will take a different form to better explore the potential of our spaces and deepen our impact in the community. ## CATALYST - Jan - March We will partner with an LGBTQ+ arts organisation to co-produce a community based exhibition. By sharing resources we will strengthen our communities� cultural offer and sustainability, whilst also inviting new audiences to our space. We launched this programme in September 2022 with the Queer Youth Art Collective who exhibited over 50 young LGBTQ+ artists. For many, this was their first time exhibiting in a gallery context. The emphasis will be on creating an environment that encourages visitors to stay longer and to use the gallery during the winter months - a particularly difficult time of the year in relation to mental health, compounded by the current cost of living crisis. In January 2023, we trialled this with an open call exhibition, A-Zine which received over 150 submissions from around the world. This has been our most well attended exhibition, with 13 Doc ID: fa0637700c8e260eb7c24994c38c1b55352c3b69 ## QUEERCIRCLE LIMITED ## TRUSTEES� ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUED) ## FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2023 ## Programme (continued) many visitors making use of the warm space to work, rest, or create their own zine in the space with the materials provided. ## STUDIO - March - May This is a new way of working at QUEERCIRCLE that prioritises the process of making art with the opportunity to present if artists choose. We will convert the gallery space into a multi-purpose studio. This season will focus on building deeper relationships with artists who will share the space over the three month period. The programme will provide artists the opportunity to create work, experiment, show works-in-progress and build peer to peer relationships for feedback and support. The gallery space will be closed during this period. However, this will be supplemented with additional event based activities such as performances and screenings, and our reading room and programmes will continue to remain open to the wider public. ## GROUP SHOW - June - August Feedback has shown that artists and curators want more opportunities to exhibit at QUEERCIRCLE. To accommodate this, and encourage wider engagement, we are implementing a summer group exhibition. This could take the form of an open call for artists and/or curators� submissions. It could also take the form of a commission for a freelance curator with an alternating panel. ## COMMISSION - September - November QUEERCIRCLE has established itself as an organisation that presents high-quality exhibition commissions; supporting & nurturing underserved & marginalised LGBTQ+ artists at pivotal stages in their careers, some of whom have never had a solo exhibition before. We will continue to do so, offering artists the opportunity to take risks, experiment & expand their practice as part of our commitment to support the development of new forms of cultural excellence. Moving forward, we will invite external curators, galleries, and partners to nominate two artists. A second panel will then decide on who will be selected for the commission (Frieze//Max Mara Prize). The panels will rotate annually. This process enables us to democratise decision making, and continue building networks of support across sectors. ## QUEER MATTER - December Our ambition is to generate 50% of our income by year five. For this reason, combined with feedback from our communities, December will focus on generating income and providing a space for other LGBTQ+ creatives to do so too. ## Health Our pilot programme was based on a social health model and premise. While some of the groups who came to the gallery � i.e. HIV positive people � were directly affected by a diagnosed illness, most were not. We aimed to promote mental health most especially, directly and indirectly, through promoting safe spaces for acknowledging or sharing (often difficult) feelings � such as grief and shame, as well as pride and joy. 14 Doc ID: fa0637700c8e260eb7c24994c38c1b55352c3b69 QUEERCIRCLE LIMITED ## TRUSTEES� ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUED) ## FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2023 ## Health (continued) Our proposed programme strands have been developed based on the consultation and evaluation we were able to carry out with our communities during our first year of programming. They include programmes trialled and developed through the pilot period, and new programmes our communities have asked for moving forward. Based on our learning, each programme takes a different approach to reach different communities. Over the five year period we hope to develop a network of groups intent on promoting healing justice through creative health. More inclusive spaces to live, work and play will have been imagined and realised as a result. ## Weekly Trans Youth Club During the pilot period three different young people�s groups met regularly in our spaces, namely the Queer Youth Art Network (18-25): QTIBPOC Creatives (18-25 working class people of colour) and Gendered Intelligence. We also partnered with local Shooters Hill Sixth Form. Through these partnerships we have identified Trans* youth as a particularly vulnerable group with particular needs. Young Trans* people who participated in our pilot asked us to develop this programme with the aim to: - Establish a Trans* specific space and networks - building links across groups - Provide mental health support - to affirm Trans* culture and identities. - Increase Trans* representation and access to Trans* history and culture - Create resources by Trans* people to improve healthcare and education provisions for Trans* people. ## Projects (6 Projects x 4 Weeks) During our pilot we worked with residents of Tonic Housing - the first LGBTQ+ housing for LGBTQ+ elders. This project was about empowering LGBTQ+ elders - who face particular challenges in later life due to discrimination in care homes - and giving them the autonomy to decide what would improve their sense of identity and wellbeing. Residents were asked what they wanted to do across the 4 week project with artist Kit Green. They decided they wanted to make a film about what it meant to get older, and their decision to join this innovative retirement community. This film was then screened at QUEERCIRCLE and open to other LGBTQ+ elders. We will build on this format and deliver six, four-week health-focused projects with different communities. These are closed groups in partnership with other LGBTQ+ charities and organisations.. ## �Make Time� Arts Club Through our evaluation we have learned that our communities appreciate the stability and reliability of weekly drop-in activities. Our �Make Time� Arts Club is an informal, weekly open-to-all activity focusing on the social aspect of art and health with the aim to: - Increase positive social experiences, build new relationships leading to reduced social isolation; - ● increased positive emotions, such as optimism, hope and enjoyment for the future; - increased self-esteem and sense of identity. 15 Doc ID: fa0637700c8e260eb7c24994c38c1b55352c3b69 ## QUEERCIRCLE LIMITED ## TRUSTEES� ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUED) ## FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2023 ## Learning We deliver weekly free learning opportunities for families, local schools & colleges, through to LGBTQ+ elders. Given our unique position as an organisation sitting at the intersection of arts, health and social action, we programme via 3 strands: arts & culture, politics & community, skills and career development. These courses are open to the public or focused for particular groups in partnership with other organisations & underrepresented groups who might not normally attend cultural events. We are trialling different formats including four week evening classes, to week long summer schools as part of our exploration into what a free or alternative learning model could be in the future. (Open University, Open School East). ## Digital In response to the pandemic, we launched our digital programme: a weekly, artists in conversation series. This was an opportunity for us to organically build our network of LGBTQ+ artists at a time when many were feeling isolated. We continued this programme in our first year in our physical space; commissioning five artists to conduct three conversations each on the topic of ecology. All the conversations are now archived on our website. Moving forward, rather than having a separate digital programme, we will be utilising digital technologies and embedding them within the rest of the programmes to provide hybrid programming. This is part of our effort to integrate all programmes all the while expanding participation with a particular focus on those with access needs, and those outside of London. ## Research, Networks and Policy Development In September 2022, we established the Queering Creative Health Network. QCHN meets quarterly and includes artists and participants in our programme, health professionals, funders, academics and the public sector; providing an opportunity to share knowledge based on lived and professional experience. This discourse contributes to internal research and that carried out by external partners leading to wider, community informed knowledge. Through this research, the benefits of creative health for LGBTQ+ will become clearer, with community-informed strategies and recommendations for a more inclusive system shared across the arts, health and public sectors. Building on the success of this network we are exploring other potential networks, for example, a Queer Arts Network. Naturally, the scope of these networks will cross over at times, but it will lead to QUEERCIRCLE growing into a hub for new and strengthened cross-sector networks to collaborate, share and disseminate groundbreaking community-informed/led, intersectional research. We have secured a Propel Explore Grant (via City Bridge) to explore this process over the next 12 months. The trustees will continue to monitor organisational risks at board level. We know that 2023/2024 will bring challenges for the organisation and the funding climate is particularly tough. The challenge for sustainability is ongoing, however, the organisation will continue to diversify ways of raising funds and building strong, sustainable partnerships with funders. 16 Doc ID: fa0637700c8e260eb7c24994c38c1b55352c3b69 ## QUEERCIRCLE LIMITED ## TRUSTEES� ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUED) ## FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2023 ## STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting record that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. The Trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. The above report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime as set out in Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 and in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102). Signed on behalf of the board Gemma Rolls Bentley Trustee and Co-Chair of Trustees Glenn Scott Wright Trustee and Co-Chair of Trustees 17 Doc ID: fa0637700c8e260eb7c24994c38c1b55352c3b69 ## QUEERCIRCLE LIMITED ## STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES� RESPONSIBILITIES ## FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2023 The trustees are responsible for preparing the trustees� report and the financial statements in accordance with the SORP and Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) effective 01 January 2019. The trustees are required to prepare financial statements for each financial year. The trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to: - Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently; - Observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP; - Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; - State whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and - Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business. The trustees must comply with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 with regard to the keeping of accounting records, to the preparation and scrutiny of statements of account, and to the preparation of annual reports and returns. The statements of account, reports and returns must be sent to the Charity Commission, regardless of the income of the CIO, within 10 months of the financial year end. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Approved by the trustees of the charity on 10 January 2024 and signed on its behalf by: Gemma Rolls Bentley Trustee and Co-Chair of Trustees Glenn Scott Wright Trustee and Co-Chair of Trustees 18 Doc ID: fa0637700c8e260eb7c24994c38c1b55352c3b69 ## QUEERCIRCLE LIMITED ## INDEPENDENT EXAMINER�S REPORT ## TO THE TRUSTEES OF QUEERCIRCLE LIMITED I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Queercircle Limited (the charity) for the year ended 31 May 2023, which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Summary Income Expenditure Account, the Balance Sheet and the related notes. ## Responsibilities and basis of report As the trustees of the charity (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (the 2006 Act). Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charity�s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (�the 2011 Act�). In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act. ## Independent examiner�s statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: 1. Accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or 2. The financial statements do not accord with those records; or 3. The financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act 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; or 4. The financial statements have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for 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). 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 understand of the financial statements to be reached. John Sadler Sadler Advisory Limited, 68 Ambergate Street, London SE17 3RX Dated 10 January 2024 19 Doc ID: fa0637700c8e260eb7c24994c38c1b55352c3b69 QUEERCIRCLE LIMITED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTivmES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MA Y2023 funds funds Total fvnds 2023 2023 Totsl funds l)on•tlons •nd 63A22 302.248 181517 Totsl 63A22 181517 Expendl¢ur* om. Charltable adlvlt1¢5 other 49,323 165.762 37.823 79.5n 87.146 245.334 14.381 Totsl 215,C45 117,395 332A80 108,886 Net 8alns oh Investments Net In¢ome 23.741 153.9731 130.2321 73.631 Transfers between funds Net Incornè ￿10￿• othor 8alnsll105sesl 23,741 153.9ni IXl,2321 73,631 other galnsand loss Nel rno¥*meni In lurmh 23,741 153.9Tal 130.2321 n,631 Re(onc511allon of funds: Total funds brought forward 76,922 78,826 5,195 TOTAL FUNDS(ARRIED FORWARD 22.949 48.594 78,826 20 Doc ID". fa0637700c8e260eb7c24994c38c1 b55352e3b69 ## QUEERCIRCLE LIMITED ## SUMMARY INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MAY 2023 21 Doc ID: fa0637700c8e260eb7c24994c38c1b55352c3b69 ## QUEERCIRCLE LIMITED ## STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION ## AS AT 31 MAY 2023 These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the special provision of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. For the period ended 31 May 2023 the company was entitled to exemption under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006. The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts. Approved by the board on 10 January 2024 and signed on its behalf by: Glenn Scott Wright Trustee 22 Doc ID: fa0637700c8e260eb7c24994c38c1b55352c3b69 QUEERCIRCLE LIMITED ## NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ## FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2023 ## 1 Accounting policies ## Charity information Queercircle Limited is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 0.1, Building 4, 3 Barton Yard, Soames Walk, Design District, Greenwich, SE10 0BN. The company is a public benefit entity. ## 1.1 Basis of preparation The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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 2015) � (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006. ## Change in basis of accounting or to previous accounts There has been no change to the accounting policies (valuation rules and method of accounting) since last year and no changes have been made to accounts for previous years. ## 1.2 Fund accounting ## Unrestricted funds These are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objects of the charity. Designated funds These are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for particular purposes. ## Revaluation funds These are unrestricted funds which include a revaluation reserve representing the restatement of investment assets at their market values. ## Restricted funds These are available for use subject to restrictions imposed by the donor or through terms of an appeal. ## 1.3 Income Recognition of income Income is included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when the charity becomes entitled to, and virtually certain to receive, the income and the amount of the income can be measured with sufficient reliability. ## Income with related expenditure Where income has related expenditure the income and related expenditure is reported gross in the SoFA. ## Donations and legacies Voluntary income received by way of grants, donations and gifts is included in the SoFA when receivable and only when the Charity has unconditional entitlement to the income. ## Tax reclaims on donations and gifts Income from tax claims is included in the SoFA at the same time as the gift/donation to which is relates. ## Donated services and facilities These are only included in income (with an equivalent amount in expenditure) where the benefit to the Charity is reasonably quantifiable, measurable and material. 23 Doc ID: fa0637700c8e260eb7c24994c38c1b55352c3b69 QUEERCIRCLE LIMITED ## NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) ## FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2023 ## 1.3 Income (continued) ## Volunteer help The value of any volunteer help received is not included in the accounts. ## Investment income This is included in the accounts when receivable ## Gains/(losses) on revaluation of fixed assets This includes any gain or loss resulting from revaluing investments to market value at the end of the year. Gains/(losses) on investment assets This includes any gain or loss on the sale of investments. ## 1.4 Expenditure ## Recognition of expenditure Expenditure is recognised on an accrual basis. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates. ## Expenditure on raising funds These comprise the costs associated with attracting voluntary income, fundraising costs and investment management costs. Expenditure on charitable activities These comprise the costs incurred by the Charity in the delivery of its activities and services in the furtherance of its objects, including the making of grants and governance costs. ## Grants payable All grant expenditure is accounted for on an actual paid basis plus an accrual for grants that have been approved by the trustees at the end of the year but not yet paid. ## Governance costs These include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the Charity, including any audit/independent examination fees, costs linked to the strategic management of the Charity, together with a share of other administration costs. ## Other expenditure These are support costs not allocated to a particular activity. ## 1.5 Taxation The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities. ## 1.6 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life: Plant and machinery - 25% straight line Computer equipment - 33% straight line ## 1.7 Trade and other debtors Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepared net of any trade discounts due. 24 Doc ID: fa0637700c8e260eb7c24994c38c1b55352c3b69 ## QUEERCIRCLE LIMITED ## NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) ## FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2023 ## 1.8 Cash and cash equivalents - Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank and on hand, demand deposits with banks and other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less and bank overdrafts. In the statement of financial position, bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings or current liabilities. ## 1.9 Trade and other creditors Short terms creditors are measured at the transaction price. Other creditors and provision 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. ## 1.4 Pension costs The charity operates a defined contribution plan for its employees. A defined contribution plan is a pension plan under which the company pays fixed contributions into a separate entity. Once the contributions have been paid the company has no further payments obligations. The contributions are recognised as expenses when they fall due. Amounts not paid are shown in accruals in the balance sheet. The assets of the plan are held separately from the company in independently administered funds. ## 1.5 Receipt of donated goods, facilities and services - All donated goods, facilities and services received are recognised within incoming resources and expenditure at an estimate of the value to the charity. 25 Doc ID: fa0637700c8e260eb7c24994c38c1b55352c3b69 QUEERCIRCLE LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONllNUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MA Y2023 Lknve5trxted Rertrxted 2013 Total 2023 Tot•1 2022 Expenditu￿0￿ djaitobleothibes &¥hibition costs Arti5tftts Prw•mrt* ¢osrs Sptei•l ovorteosts other direct e4penses MerchnThdisecosts 22.IOB 13.440 i.iii 23.219 22.740 27.326 11.547 L.401 9k2 1.352 27.326 11.547 lJ16 911 1.9 1.082 Totsl 49J23 37.82J 87.146 14.381 4 Othei exp¢nthw¢ estfkned tsstthted 202J 201J T•t 202Y 2022 Emplo￿ c• Motor ahd tr•%*1 costs Premisos costs Arnortisation. depreciatior imp•ir￿n*. 1profit1llo￿ 105.61• 4.841 11,6S61 49.686 124 27.949 155304 4.965 252>3 47.572 319 31.165 G*tytr•l •dministr4ti* costs Lepl ond profe5sion•l costs Marketlwcosts 14218 14.282 25.560 19• 14.416 14.282 27.175 2.511 4.394 6.285 1.615 Totsl 16S,762 7g,S72 245334 94.$05 5 Nel ￿￿•meb¢I￿t1lty 1022 Thrs ffj Stoledoftti£horginq.' t￿re(la11rffi ofo4w*dfiAed bssets 62CIry 6 Staff (Osts Noernplvffeor trustee recel%*d efflolurr*nts Snexcess olt60WAI.ThefevRre4.4fvlltiff*equ+v•knt I'Frriernploy￿5 12022.. 3 FfEsl. 26 Doc ID". fa0637700c8e260eb7c24994c38c1 b55352e3b69 QUEERCIRCLE LIMITED NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONllNUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MA Y2023 Pknt and lomrArter own1￿balanCe as •t l June 2022 dltlons 6.72> 12.311 I￿95 8.621 13.369 A5 4t31 P*l•v 2025 19.034 2.957 21.991 0get)In8b•l•nct •$ •t l Junt 2022 1.682 J.330 627 J.898 AS •t31 M•y 2023 5.012 1.19S 6.207 AS •t31 M•y 2023 14.022 1.762 IS.784 202J 2022 ctyjnts rtt*iv•ble Prepa¥￿nts Oth*r re