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2024-03-31-accounts

Charity registration number NIC101068

Company registration number NI053341 (Northern Ireland)

THE VOID ARTS CENTRE

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

THE VOID ARTS CENTRE

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees S Birney A Kelly E McCann H Quigley U McNally D Greer S Horshi P Connolly B Bridges Secretary S Birney Charity number NIC101068 Company number NI053341 Registered office 10 Waterloo Place Londonderry BT48 6AF

(Appointed 17 January 2024) (Appointed 17 January 2024) (Appointed 9 February 2024) (Appointed 17 January 2024) (Appointed 29 February 2024)

THE VOID ARTS CENTRE

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees' report 1 - 11
Independent examiner's report 12
Statement of financial activities 13
Statement of financial position 14
Notes to the financial statements 15 - 22

THE VOID ARTS CENTRE

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006 and "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).

Objectives and activities

Void Art Centre is a civic-engaged arts organisation based in Derry�Londonderry, Northern Ireland. Alongside our focus on the distribution of art pro�ects, Void Art Centre aims to address local issues and wor� with our surrounding community to develop collaborative experimentation. With process-based and site related pro�ects, we support social inclusion by creating a sense of place through cultural engagement and civic imagination.

Void Art Centre wor�s with local and international art practitioners to address critical �uestions, alternative pedagogy and shared imagination. Situated within Derry�Londonderry, we aim to create a generative culture where Derry�Londonderry and Northern Ireland can play the role of catalyst.

�ur organisational structure and wor�ing process are based on Social Permaculture principles. Social Permaculture values co-existence and co-creation, as well as sustainable use of local resources (both monetary and nonmonetary) such as public grants, voluntary commitments, mutual aid, sponsorship and commercial arrangements. Through embedded practices and institutional learning, we are a self-reflective organisation that addresses local issues as well as global urgencies in our civic engagement, programming as a whole and wor�ing practices.

Vision

To promote challenging contemporary art� to ma�e it accessible to all, to encourage active participation and to position Void at the heart of the region's visual culture.

Aims

Public benefit

The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should underta�e.

THE VOID ARTS CENTRE

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Achievements and performance

Throughout 2023�24 Void exhibited the wor� of:

The financial year 2023�2024 started with an exhibition that ran from the previous financial year: a collaboration between Loc�y Morris and Ja�i Irvine, who were invited to expand on their exhibition RE�SETT�INGS, exhibited in the Complex Gallery, Dublin 2021. For this exhibition, Loc�y Morris and Ja�i Irvine explored the digital realm and its absorption into our everyday lives. The slippage between the two worlds was explored through a layering of both film and digitally created wor�s. It was an exploration of the endemic nature and potential of the digital age.

For this pro�ect we were awarded the Digital Evolution Award from Arts Council Northern Ireland. Ja�i and Loc�y collaborated on the wor�s which utilised digital technology in the form of CGI, sound, 3D models, and film wor�s. The installation created an immersive layering of sound and digital wor�s that was presented on flat screen monitors.

The digital wor�s in the gallery coincided with a digital billboard off the Culmore Road and Garden City �unction. This brought the digital wor�s into real space. The digital world and fabrication of wor� was a new departure for both artists and the s�ills gained throughout can be seen in the execution of the show and offsite billboard ali�e.

During the final wee�s of RE�SETT�INGS, Void Art Centre�s new director Viviana Checchia began her tenure at Void Art Centre.

In June, Void Art Centre launched Leviathan , a solo show by artist She�ad Dawood. This pro�ect was programmed by former Director Mary Cremin, who returned to

Void Art Centre to host an artist tal� during the launch. Leviathan is an ambitious multi-year interdisciplinary pro�ect that loo�s at the �ey issue of our day: how do we understand the intersection between climate change, migration and mental health in our shared ecosystems� The pro�ect comprised a ten part film cycle, a Virtual Reality trilogy, sculptures, paintings, neon and an extensive public programme and research archive bringing together scientists, philosophers, activists, anthropologists, futurists, trauma specialists, oceanographers and climatologists.

The 10-part film series envisaged a future eerily li�e our present, whose inhabitants are the survivors of a cataclysmic solar event. Each film presented in the exhibition was written from the point of view of an individual character, providing insight into their particular trauma and pathological traits and giving each episode its own personality, visual language and rhythm. The larger narrative followed a migratory �ourney across Europe, Asia, North Africa and beyond, encountering a series of idiosyncratic communities along the way. Ta�ing a global and collective approach, Leviathan loo�ed at what is increasingly not only a humanitarian crisis but a wider systemic crisis within our biosphere. As the protagonists� �ourneys progress and increasingly intertwine with others throughout the film, we see a shift from fragmentation to resilience in their methods for surviving, amidst competing visions for how the future might be shaped.

THE VOID ARTS CENTRE

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Void Art Centre commissioned a new film, one of the chapters of this long term pro�ect. This film was screened in our galleries together with a series of tapestries.

�ur Interim Head of Programme, �oe McSparron, arranged various events during the course of this exhibition, such as a tal� and sea swim with Eas�y Britton. For this specific event we were invited to learn about the blue mood and also to reconnect with our water - our surroundings and entangled bodily connection - both from a theoretical and literal approach. The sea dip at Ned�s Point consisted of a diverse group of participants.

During this show, not long after our new Director�s appointment, we learnt that Finance �fficer Mary Cotrell would leave her position. She subse�uently left the post on September 28th.

In July 2023, the new Director Viviana Checchia started the wor� of restructuring Void Art Centre, in consultation with the organisation�s board and Art Council Northern Ireland. This entailed the creation of two new posts: Head of Sustainable Growth and Curator of Civic Engagement.

In August 2023, during the run of Leviathan, Void Art Centre�s Press and Mar�eting Coordinator started maternity leave, with maternity cover Caolan Austin starting at Void in the same month.

In September 2023, we were �oined by Banu Cennetoglu. Whilst programmed by Void�s previous Director, new Director Viviana Checchia led on the curation, supporting the artist and overseeing the exhibition and public programmes. The pro�ect and new commission, entitled �right��, represented our first collaboration with the CFA at NCAD. The pro�ect stemmed from an exploration of the Universal

Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on December 10, 1948, three years after the end of World War II. According to the UN, it sets out, for the first time, fundamental human rights to be universally protected and has been translated in over 500 languages.

In our galleries we presented the 11[th] and 12[th] articles of the UDHR in bou�uets of gold letter balloons. As the bou�uets deflate during the run of the show, they will leave viewers to �uestion whether any rights can remain without the labour of protecting, extending, and upholding them.

For this pro�ect and with the help of our Interim Head of Programme at the time, �oe McSparron, we organised various activities focused on human rights and collaborated with Derry City�s Halloween festival, Bounce Festival and Ulster University.

In November 2023, we opened � son of’, a solo exhibition by �ine Mac Giolla Bhr�de. �ine is an Irish artist wor�ing in the field of sculpture and this was their first solo exhibition in the UK. We secured a production grant from Foundation Foundation, mar�ing the organisation�s first time funding Void. �ine�s wor� is materially driven and considers site and the situated body via staged sculptural arrangements. These materials reference domestic, urban, and commercial motifs and imagery via an abstraction.

The pro�ect was guided by Void Art Centre�s galleries, and was site-specific. The artist�s wor� saw subtle interventions interrogate the utilisation of space both in the private and the public setting. The intention with the exhibition at Void was to wor� across both the public realm and the gallery space to create a dynamic between how we occupy these two spaces.

The installation consisted of architectural interventions in the gallery space that created distinct areas, fragmenting the large gallery space. These areas were populated by domestic items and fabricated sculptural elements all of which are underpinned by research made prior to the exhibition.During the course of this exhibition, which was curated by Viviana Checchia, there was little public programming. This was in part due to the organisation going through a transformation.

Caolan Austin, our press and mar�eting coordinator (maternity leave cover) left the position due to excessive wor�load. Cecelia Graham replaced Caolan as maternity cover, and she still performs this role today.

THE VOID ARTS CENTRE

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

During the course of � son of’ , Void Art Centre�s new Head of Sustainable Growth Mitch Conlon and Curator of Civic Engagement Mhairi Sutherland began their roles. During this time, our Learning and �utreach Coordinator �o� McSparron, left the organisation, beginning a new position at Waterside Theatre. This was due to salary considerations.

In January, Void�s long standing Gallery Coordinator, Stephanie Gaumond, left the organisation. Stephanie's departure mar�ed a total turnover of the team at Void Art Centre.

� son of � also mar�ed the end of the former Director�s programming, and with this, the new Director too� time for observation and strategy implementation. The galleries did not host a show from the 7th of Feb up until the 23rd of March.

Composting for the Future (CFTF) mar�ed the beginning of Void Art Centre�s new strategy, which is based on the principles of Social Permaculture. The pro�ect was twofold, consisting of an element that loo�ed to the past in celebration of twenty years since the organisation was first constituted, and an element that was future-facing, loo�ing to Void�s new strategy and team structure.

The element that loo�ed to the past consists of:

The element that loo�ed to the future consists of:

A full description of CFTF will be included in the 24�25 Trustee Report, as it spans across two financial years.

Health & Safety

In November 2023 we were able to begin improvements to our spaces than�s to the Health � Safety Capital Programme. With the e�uipment we ac�uired, we have increased the organisation�s accessibility, team safety and visitor experience. Examples of this include:

THE VOID ARTS CENTRE

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Job Start

Former gallery coordinator Stephanie Gaumond availed of an initiative funded by the Department of Communities Northern Ireland, �The Job Start Scheme�. The scheme supports employers to offer paid employment for 18-24 year olds who are at ris� of long term unemployment and to give the young person an opportunity for personal development and enhance their employability s�ill set for the future. Void was successful in securing a 9-month grant that allowed the creation of a new role, �Front of House and Invigilator.�

We successfully recruited Alex Cregan. Alex, a former Void volunteer, is now managing our front of house with the aim to enhance our visitor experience, as well as this, they are assisting with day to day running of exhibition programmes, our boo�shop, and the art centre facilities. Alex has become a valued team member and together with the wider team is dedicated to learning and developing their s�ill set in an arts organisation. Alex was initially line managed by the Curator of Civic Engagement. Sin�ad Feeney, who now will be loo�ing after the running of the scheme, has plans to apply again for 2024�25.

The Exhibition Programme for 2024�25 is as follows:

The Engage Programme

Ongoing programme:

Open Mic Night/Silver Tongued Deviance � We have further developed this popular bi-monthly event hosted by Fran� Rafferty as a collaborative pro�ect with the Waterside Theatre, allowing the event to ta�e place monthly, alternating between each venue. This collaboration began in January 2024. The rationale for this development was the growing interest and audience at the event, and the potential to apply for funding support for outputs such as publications, invited guest contributors and an annual event. Ma�ing connections between the cityside and waterside venues and potentially new audiences was a �ey element in our planning. The recent sad news about the Waterside Theatre will impact these plans, but the potential for a partnership with a related organisation can still be researched.

Foyle Womens’ Aid – Void Womens’ Art Group – The group have been meeting regularly in Void Engage since 2022, facilitated by local artist Sinead Crumlish. An open, welcoming social session with this closed group explores a range of arts and crafting activities and approaches. Development included a visit to Ashley Wood House by Mhairi Sutherland and Sinead Crumlish on 13�03�24 to meet the women residents and invite anyone interested to �oin the Wednesday morning sessions in Void, which resulted in 4 new members, almost doubling the existing group. New and established members then wor�ed on a collective wall hanging artwor�, which was shown as part of the group exhibition Stitching us together . Mhairi wor�ed with Sinead to create personal lin�s between the Void archives�CFTF for the exhibited artwor�, in addition to the women contributing individual artwor�s. The closed launch for the group was attended by Jo Corcoran of Foyle Womens� Aid� Justice Centre on 10 April and was open to the public in the Void Engage space 11�04�24 � 20�04�24.

The group is supported by the Ban� of Ireland Begin Together Arts Fund and the report to release the final tranche of �2,100 was submitted successfully on 27�02�24. This group has the potential for strong growth, wor�ing with new artists and through contributing their stories and experience to the civic programme, and continuity funding is to be sourced.

THE VOID ARTS CENTRE

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

FWA personal reflections:

“The Void is a great place to meet, we are well looked after� Learning new skills is a great boost for me when �’m there, feeling no pressure at all times� � hope future people get as much en�o�ment out of these classes as � do�� �Philomena�

“�t is great for mental health and wellbeing as doing the art �ou get so lost in it �ou forget about �our worries� �t is a lovel� wee class which � look forward to ever� week� �rom starting the class � have seen great improvement in m� mental health, � am more rela�ed and able to do more� ��ernadette�

Void Art Centre Life Drawing

Life Drawing is scheduled to ta�e place once during each exhibition, (A�ne ni Ghiolla Bhr�de � 07�12�24 � CFTF � 24�04�24) facilitated by artist Cara Donaghey and model Mel Bradley. �pen to the public, widely advertised and boo�able for a small charge of �8 pp, this popular programme attracts new people and regular attendees, including Void Visionaries and Visual Art Collective members. Void provides materials and refreshments and Cara facilitates this accessible session with energy and sensitivity, including a curated soundtrac� themed to the current exhibition. Mhairi and Cara met in February to discuss how the programme could be developed to expand the programme, including a longer session with a reflective�feedbac� element and potentially an exhibition�open event scheduled for the Engage space. Currently there is no funding allocated to the Life Drawing programme and this would have to be sourced for development and increased artists� fees.

Void Visionaries

As a group with many members who self-identify as disabled, trans, �ueer and on an autistic spectrum, it has ta�en some time to ad�ust to the changes in staffing at Void. However, a Spring re-launch programme aimed at identifying areas of interest, ownership and getting involved with a refreshed phase of Void Visionaries has been successful and is gathering momentum. An animation programme over x 3 sessions was facilitated by Mhairi Sutherland and filmma�er�Northern Ireland Screen award recipient Brogan Wa�eley. Sessions on Thursday 07 March, Saturday 09 March � Saturday 06 April creatively explored programming ideas through animation. A small group of 8 young people explored time-lapse, stop motion, Claymation and recorded their ideas using audio e�uipment. They have produced an artwor� in progress, and their completed film will be available from the end of April. �voidvisionaries Instagram is being used to show outputs and engagement. Ideas creatively expressed have been drawn up as an Excel document and the next stages of the re-launch have been identified by the group to date as�

Lin� to animation wor� in progress. Soundtrac� elements are original compositions from Michael Devine, VV member.

https:��drive.google.com�file�d�12Ml7CFN8yKm3�ouiy1a3MaouF0�I�4J��view�up�drive lin�

NWRC & public Tours CFTF

In liaison with NWRC Tutors Ursula and Kerrie, Mhairi provided a bespo�e presentation to a group of 19 students prior to CFTF opening to the public and a tour on 09�04�24. Students are warmly welcomed, encouraged to use the exhibition for their own course purposes and visit independently. Public Tours of CFTF designed and led by the Curator of Civic Engagement have been advertised as Drop-in events for Saturday 20 April and Saturday 04 May 2024.

THE VOID ARTS CENTRE

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

North South Visual Arts Network - NSVAN (Shared Island VV app)

The remaining funds of �1,523 were allocated to an online presentation with the current CFTF artist Stephane Verlet Bottero on institutional permaculture. This was scheduled for 27 March, before the Report to Funders Community Foundation was submitted on Saturday 30 March 2024. There was a poor response as this was during Easter wee�, and this presentation will now ta�e place at a later date. The remaining funds �1273 were allocated to Void Art Centre overheads�core costs, with the agreement of partner DHG and as indicated in advance of Report submission to the allocated CF �fficer.

Wor�ing with NSVAN partners Douglas Hyde Gallery Dublin and Galway Arts Centre, an application was submitted on 22 March for 179,700eu for Triangulate: A Trans-border �outh-arts Group (Wor�ing Title) a tri-parite cross-border new learning and engagement pro�ect for young people aged 15 - 24 to the Creative �outh in a Shared Island (2024) fund. Arising out of the relationship already established through the NSVAN and spearheaded by DHG, the pro�ect re�uest for Void Art Centre and Galway Art Centre is to assist with core salary costs for engagement posts. DHG may create a dedicated p�t post to increase capacity if successful. Briefly, the pro�ect aims to�

Decisions will be communicated in May 2024.

Void Art Centre 'Imaginative Futures' - Explorers and Families Creative Programme 2024 funded by Halifax Foundation NI

This programme was successfully applied for by �oe McSparron, former interim Head of Public Programming at Void, and was awarded �5,000.00. The programme is aimed at providing a creative forum and opportunities for children aged 8 - 14 throughout the course of 2024 alongside the exhibition programme. Void has underta�en to wor� with our community partners (particularly The Women�s Centre, Parents �f Children with Autism (P�CA), Barnardo's �oung Carers, The Service for Loo�ed After Children, The North West Migrant�s Forum and the Rainbow Pro�ect), to invite parents�guardians along to our active drop-in discussion sessions and�or to invite them to nominate their children to sit on our new children�s advisory panel. In the selection process for this panel, we will select a diverse range of children from different bac�grounds, abilities and ages to ensure the feedbac� we are wor�ing with is relevant and inclusive to all. The Children�s advisory panel will input creative ideas and content for a series of drop-in sessions and wor�shops for children and families throughout 2024.

To date, all named potential partners have been invited to a group meeting in Void after Easter to discuss and also to meet the artist Eibhlin Morrison, who has been invited as the lead artist and who has created the current resource boo�let for young people visiting CFTF at Void Art Centre. Coordinating diaries for a group meeting can be difficult and to date Mhairi has meet in person with Catherine Barr, The Women�s Centre, 18�04�24 discussed in a call with Sarah Logue, Bernandos (young carers, closed group) 19�04�24 and a Teams meeting with Nia Loughlin scheduled for 22�04�24.

THE VOID ARTS CENTRE

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Ulster Graduate residency exhibition: Making connections with artist �ara Lyness

Initially selected by �oe McSparron during the Ulster Graduate Degree shows 2023, Mhairi has liaised with �ara consistently since December and recently oversaw the Residency exhibition installation on 22�23 April in the Engage space. �ara is a member of performance group bBeyond and wor�s with the University of Atypical in Belfast and has a strong interest in access and inclusivity. Her Ma�ing connections exhibition of ceramic �igsaws reflects this through a fully interactive process, accompanied by explanatory posters and postcards. This residency� exhibition has no allocated funding and all costs have been borne entirely by the artist, including the travel and installation of the artwor�. This is not an acceptable position for our ethos of fairness and an organisation funded by the ACNI which recommends artists� fees and preparation should be paid for pro�ects. It has been discussed within the team that Void may not ta�e part in the Ulster Ulster Graduate residency scheme for 2024, unless funding can be sought and confirmed. Ma�ing connections is open to the public 23 April - 07 May 2024.

Visual Arts Collective / � Foyle Pride Void public work (August 2024)

A new grassroots organisation VAC (Visual Arts Collective) has been established and have met twice in the Engage space at Void, following an offer by Mhairi to host the group�s S�etchpad Meet-up sessions. The organisers have lin�s to both Void Visionaries and the life drawing programme and the group is developing well, with increased numbers attending the second session on Wednesday 17 April and gathering social media attention. As part of the initiative, the organisers discussed with Mhairi the potential for a public pro�ect ta�ing place during Foyle Pride (15 - 25 August) in the city. From this a proposal was submitted and circulated amongst the Void team, accepted and a pro�ect involving a highly visible ta�e-over of the Void windows will ta�e place during the wee�. This was a first proposal submitted to an organisation by a young local �ueer artist and reflects and continues Void support of Pride in the city.

Civic Mapping / new relationships

Alongside continuing relationships with community organisations locally and regionally Viviana and Mhairi have discussed ways of involving and collaborating with potentially new partners as part of a permaculture approach to civic engagement. To date, Mhairi has attended the Foyle Repair � Care cafe and invited the organiser Caroline McGuninnes-Broo�es to visit Void and wor� together on shared interests maximising the use of the Engage space. We are also in discussion with Stephanie Bradley, owner of �ffing cafe, around food culture and the monthly Potluc� event for the Void team and our neighbours.

Currently - research sources for Adri�n �alseca

Adri�n specified specific visual sources for his research trip to Belfast�Derry 02 - 18 May 2024. A research timetable has been planned with the assistance of Bernadadette Walsh, DCSDC Archivist, Clare Ablett, Curator of Transport and Industry and Stephen Weir, Picture Library National Museums NI, Stuart Temple, Libraries NI District �fficer and Niall McCaughan, Director Donegal Railway Museum. Adri�n will visit the Museum of Transport at Cultra, DCSDC Pennyburn archive stores and the Biggar and McDonald collection, Central Library, Derry.

Social media

This year, we have increased our amount of followers across our social media platforms - Instagram, Twitter and Faceboo�. �ur current followers are as follows:

2023-2024 saw Twitter change to ��� which has included many people leaving the platform for others such as Threads. This has impacted our Twitter statistics and use of the platform.

This year, we also loo�ed at the financial sustainability of our social media platforms. This has resulted in several ma�or changes: we have decreased the amount of paid advertisements in use across social media and we have ended our subscription to Sprout Social, a scheduling tool.

THE VOID ARTS CENTRE

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

This year, we have wor�ed on ensuring our social media output aligns with our future strategy as an organisation that doesn�t focus solely on exhibitions. Now we are ta�ing a long term approach, see�ing ways to accessibly communicate pro�ects that span across several months, and even years. This wor� is ongoing, and we are in the process of learning how this can develop.

Social media statistics

Facebook:

Instagram:

Twitter:

Press

This year Void Art Centre continued to maintain and develop strong relationships with press, nationally and locally. We particularly increased our connection with local press, strengthening relationships with Derry Journal, BBC Radio Foyle and Visual Artists� Ireland.

Visual Artists Ireland interviewed Director Viviana Checchia for a feature on the new strategy of Void Art Centre, which detailed the organisation as well as our future programming.

Outreach

This year, we have gathered data in partnership with Thrive as part of our desire to gain a deeper understanding of our audiences. This data has enabled us to understand that:

Offline publicity

This year, Void Art Centre continued to utilise physical promotional material including:

This material was distributed across the city and North of Ireland, and included in site-specific promotion at the gallery (such as our outdoor poster holders, which provide signage into the gallery.) Across the year, we have discussed ways of continuing this physical promotion, which can reach audiences such as those without access to the internet, phones for example, in a way that is sustainably responsible. For Composting for the future, we created bespo�e postcards in collaboration with artist St�phane Verlet B�ttero which promoted the artist�s wor�, alongside the pro�ect. We found these postcards to be particularly useful, and wish to continue the creation of specially designed physical material. In the future however, we wish to find a local printer to do this wor� in a cost effective manner, in line with the social permaculture principle to use local resources.

THE VOID ARTS CENTRE

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Website

Void Art Centre�s website has undergone some changes in the past year, which include different image specifications and some structural issues such as layout function. As a team we have been investigating problems for short-term solutions alongside Neil Doherty, a local website developer. It has become apparent that the current website no longer feels in line with Void Art Centre�s ethos as a civic-engaged organisation, with team members highlighting the cold feel of the site and the logistical problems of uploading images.

To re-imagine our website, we have initiated a period of research into ways of integrating our web structure into a more civic-engaged, social permaculture framewor�. This includes understanding how to invite our local community into website development through community focus groups and the potential of wor�ing with a facilitator to lead on this wor� alongside Neil Doherty, who is also currently a Void volunteer.

To begin this research in a more sustainable manner and activate this pro�ect, we have applied to Fat Beehive foundation to establish a pro�ect loo�ing at our website, wor�ing with the local community to co-develop a site that wor�s for them and us. The result of this application is outstanding as of April 2024.

�uilding

Caring for our building and office space is a �ey part of the role of our Coordinator of Production and Dynamics. Sin�ad, since �oining in January, has liaised with the landlord regarding maintenance of the building and ongoing wor�s.

Since our move to Waterloo Place we continue to adapt and react to the new space. The large glass windows create an accessible and inviting position for a contemporary art centre. However, this has brought challenges regarding heating the building.

Plans for the future period

In April 2024, we received assurance via an official email that ACNI will award Void Art Centre a standstill amount. However, allocations across the sector are still un�nown, which has affected our ability to plan into the future.

Financial review

Total income for the year was �279,840, of which �254,396 was generated from charitable activities. Total expenditure was �314,678. The balance of total funds at the year end was �59,273, of which �52,273 was Unrestricted and �7,000 Restricted.

The Trustees consider it prudent to hold monies in reserve in the event that unforeseen circumstances should lead to financial difficulties which might �eopardise the future of charity.

The Trustees have examined the re�uirement for reserves in the light of the main ris�s to the organisation and established a formal policy, that �51,000 should be the target level for unrestricted reserves. The unrestricted reserves at the year end were �52,273. the Trustees are striving to attain and exceed this target, so that they will be able to continue the current activities of the charity.

�eserves polic�

It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level e�uivalent to between three and six month�s expenditure. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity�s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year.

Structure� governance and management

The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 15 December 2004 and accepted as a charity by HMRC under reference �R69455. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the ob�ects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association. In the event of the company being wound up members are re�uired to contribute an amount note exceeding �1.

THE VOID ARTS CENTRE TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were.. S Birney A Kelly D Mccall E Mccann H Quigley P Kealey U McNally D Greer S Horshi P Connolly B Bridges S Kissane (Resigned 17 November 20231 (Resigned 14 August 20231 (Appointed 17 January 20241 (Appointed 17 January 20241 (Appointed 9 February 20241 (Appointed 17 January 20241 (Appointed 29 February 20241 (Resigned 17 August 20231 The Iruslees, report was approved by the Board of Trustees. Quigley Trustee Dale.. 1311212024 11

THE VOID ARTS CENTRE

INDEPENDENT E�AMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE VOID ARTS CENTRE

We report to the trustees on our examination of the financial statements of The Void Arts Centre (the charity) for the year ended 31 March 2024.

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 and you have considered the audit re�uirement of Section 65(3) of the Charities Act (NI) 2008 (the Act). Having satisfied ourselves that the charity is not sub�ect to audit under company law, and is eligible for independent examination, it is our responsibility to:

Independent examiner's statement

Since the charity�s gross income exceeded �250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am �ualified to underta�e the examination because I am a member of 3, which is one of the listed bodies.

We have examined your charity accounts as re�uired under Section 65 of the Charities Act and our examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act. The examination included a review of the accounting records �ept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also included consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and see�ing explanations from you as charity trustees concerning any such matters.

We have completed our examination and have no concerns in respect of the matters (1) to (4) listed above and, in connection with following the Directions of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, we have found no matters that re�uire drawing to your attention.

Dated: .........................

THE VOID ARTS CENTRE

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND E�PENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2024
Notes
�
�
Income and endowments from:
Charitable activities
3
-
275,226
�ther income
4
4,614
-
Total income
4,614
275,226
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
5
4,614
310,064
Total expenditure
4,614
310,064
Net expenditure
-
(34,838)
Transfers between
funds
18,723
(18,723)
Net movement in
funds
6
18,723
(53,561)
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 April 2023
33,550
60,561
Fund balances at 31 March
2024
52,273
7,000		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
2023
�
�
�
275,226
211,820
96,514
4,614
32,048
-
279,840
243,868
96,514
314,678
245,975
108,749
314,678
245,975
108,749
(34,838)
(2,107)
(12,235)
-
(2,458)
2,458
(34,838)
(4,565)
(9,777)
94,111
38,115
70,338
59,273
33,550
60,561		 Total
2023
�
308,334
32,048
340,382
354,724
354,724
(14,342)
-
(14,342)
108,453
94,111

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

THE VOID ARTS CENTRE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT31 MARCH 2024 2024 2023 Notes Fixed assets Intangible assets Tangible assets 10 11 8,024 20,288 12.694 36,345 28,312 49,039 Current assets Debtors Cash al bank and in hand 12 21,239 28,769 21,579 48,366 50,008 69,945 Creditors.. amounts falling due within one year 13 119,0471 124,8731 Net current assets 30,961 45,072 Total assets less current liabilities 59,273 94,111 Net assets excluding pension liability 59,273 94,111 The funds of the charity Restricted income funds Unrestricted funds 14 7,000 52,273 60.561 33,550 59,273 94,111 The company is entitled lo the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 March 2024. The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial stalemenls. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable lo companies subject to the small companies regime. The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 1311212024 A Kelly Trustee B Bridges Trustee Company registration number N1053341 (Northern Ireland) 14

THE VOID ARTS CENTRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

The Void Arts Centre is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in Northern Ireland. The registered office is 10 Waterloo Place, Londonderry, BT48 6AF.

1�1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's �governing document�, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 �The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland� (�FRS 102�) and the Charities S�RP "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). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The charity has ta�en advantage of the provisions in the S�RP for charities not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest �.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1�2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has ade�uate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1�3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable ob�ectives.

Restricted funds are sub�ect to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Endowment funds are sub�ect to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.

1�4 Income

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. �ther donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions re�uire deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is �nown, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not �nown, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

THE VOID ARTS CENTRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1�5 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be re�uired in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in underta�ing each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset�s use.

1�6 Intangible fixed assets other than goodwill

Intangible assets ac�uired separately from a business are recognised at cost and are subse�uently measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses.

Intangible assets ac�uired on business combinations are recognised separately from goodwill at the ac�uisition date where it is probable that the expected future economic benefits that are attributable to the asset will flow to the entity and the fair value of the asset can be measured reliably� the intangible asset arises from contractual or other legal rights� and the intangible asset is separable from the entity.

Amortisation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Intangible Assets �ver 5 years

1�� Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subse�uently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Leasehold land and buildings �ver term of lease (20 years) Plant and e�uipment �ver 4 years Fixtures and fittings �ver 4 years

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1�8 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1�� Cash and cash e�uivalents

Cash and cash e�uivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with ban�s, other short-term li�uid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and ban� overdrafts. Ban� overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

THE VOID ARTS CENTRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1�10 Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 �Basic Financial Instruments� and Section 12 ��ther Financial Instruments Issues� of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and ban� balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subse�uently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a mar�et rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and ban� loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a mar�et rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subse�uently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been ac�uired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subse�uently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derec��niti�n �f financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity�s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1�11 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee�s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity�s accounting policies, the trustees are re�uired to ma�e �udgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

THE VOID ARTS CENTRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

3 Income from charitable activities

Unrestricted Restricted Total Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds funds funds
2024 2024 2024 2023 2023 2023
� � � � � �
Charitable activities
Performance related
grants - 275,226 275,226 211,820 96,514 308,334

Performance related grants analysis

Charitable Charitable
activities activities
2024 2023
� �
ACNI General Revenue 197,430 198,820
ACNI Lottery Fund 4,976 -
ACNI �ther - 23,697
All Island Community - 10,000
Begin Together - 7,000
Bounce Festival 600 -
Business to Arts Ltd TA Fund 2,100 -
Derry � Strabane District Council 17,000 14,524
Derry � Strabane District Council Access - 6,451
Derry � Strabane District Council Grant 1 890 -
Derry � Strabane District Council Grant 2 400 -
Digital Evolution - 9,223
Engage 2,000
En�alon Foundation 1,000 -
Foundation Foundation 10,000 8,000
Future Screen - 21,919
Garfield Weston 15,000 -
Halifax Foundation 5,000 -
Ireland Fund - 5,500
Ragdoll - 1,200
Ulster University 20,830 -
275,226 308,334

THE VOID ARTS CENTRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

4 Other income

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
� �
�ther income 4,614 32,048
5 Expenditure on charitable activities
Charitable Charitable
activities activities
2024 2023
� �
Direct costs
Programme costs 208,955 270,234
Mar�eting � advertising 8,224 2,038
Travel � subsistence 13,590 3,130
Ban� charges � interest 69 112
Repairs - 3,387
Sundry expenses 5,608 2,419
236,446 281,320
Share of support and governance costs (see note )
Support 78,232 73,404
314,678 354,724
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds 4,614 245,975
Restricted funds 310,064 108,749
314,678 354,724
6 Net movement in funds 2024 2023
� �
The net movement in funds is stated after charging�(crediting):
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets 16,057 16,699
Amortisation of intangible assets 4,670 4,669

� Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.

THE VOID ARTS CENTRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

8 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

Employment costs
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
�ther pension costs		 2024
Number
7
2024
�
136,603
5,741
4,622
146,966		 2023
Number
6
2023
�
113,034
5,441
4,035
122,510

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than �60,000.

� Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

10 Intangible fixed assets

Intangible fixed assets
Intangible
Assets
�
Cost
At 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024 23,349
Amortisation and impairment
At 1 April 2023 10,655
Amortisation charged for the year 4,670
At 31 March 2024 15,325
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2024 8,024
At 31 March 2023 12,694

THE VOID ARTS CENTRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

11
Tangible fixed assets
Leasehold
land and
buildings
Plant and
e�uipment
Fixtures and
fittings
�
�
�
Cost
At 1 April 2023
9,000
101,614
35,854
At 31 March 2024
9,000
101,614
35,854
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 April 2023
450
86,534
23,139
Depreciation charged in the year
450
8,058
7,549
At 31 March 2024
900
94,592
30,688
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2024
8,100
7,022
5,166
At 31 March 2023
8,550
15,080
12,715
12
Debtors
2024
Amounts falling due within one year:
�
Trade debtors
19,867
Prepayments and accrued income
1,372
21,239
13
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2024
Notes
�
Ban� overdrafts
-
�ther taxation and social security
-
Trade creditors
1,114
�ther creditors
1,845
Accruals and deferred income
16,088
19,047		 Total
�
146,468
146,468
110,123
16,057
126,180
20,288
36,345
2023
�
20,969
610
21,579
2023
�
36
2,670
1,114
2,679
18,374
24,873

THE VOID ARTS CENTRE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

14 Restricted funds

The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust sub�ect to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.

At 1 April Incoming Resources Transfers At 31 March
2023 resources expended 2024
� � � � �
ACNI 24,276 202,406 (207,959) (18,723) -
Art Fund 288 - (288) - -
Begin Together 4,678 - (4,678) - -
Bounce Festival - 600 (600) - -
Business to Arts - 2,100 (2,100) - -
Community Fund 5,575 - (5,575) - -
Dept. Foreign Affairs 879 - (879) - -
Derry � Strabane District
Council 10,418 18,290 (28,708) - -
Digital Evolution 2,969 - (2,969) - -
En�alon Foundation - 1,000 (1,000) - -
Foundation Foundation 8,000 10,000 (16,000) - 2,000
Future Screen 3,088 - (3,088) - -
Gardfield Weston - 15,000 (15,000) - -
Halifax Foundation 390 5,000 (390) - 5,000
University of Ulster - 20,830 (20,830) - -
60,561 275,226 (310,064) (18,723) 7,000

15 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not sub�ect to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At 1 April Incoming Resources Transfers At 31 March
2023 resources expended 2024
� � � � �
General funds 33,550 4,614 (4,614) 18,723 52,273
Previous year: At 1 April Incoming Resources Transfers At 31 March
2022 resources expended 2023
� � � � �
General funds 38,115 243,868 (245,975) (2,458) 33,550

16 Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2023 - none).