OPEN ARTS
TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
The trustees, who are also the director5 for the purpose of company law, present their report and the unaudited
financial statements of the charity for Ihe year ended 31 March 2024.
Structure, Governance and Management
Governing document
The organisation is a charitable company limtted by guarantee. The company was established under a
Memorandum Df Association which established the objects and powers of the company and is governed under its
Artides of Association. In the event of the company being wound up members are required to contribute an amount
not exceeding £1.
Recruitment and Appoinknent of Dlrectors
The trustees of the company are also charity trustees for the purposes of charity law. Under the requirements of the
Memorandum and Articles of Association the directors are elected to serrfe for a pericKJ of three y8ars aft8r which
they must be r￿elected at the next Annual General Meeting.
The trustees of the company have a mix of business and artistic skills. In the event of particular skills being lost due
to retirement or resignation. suitable indiwduals are approached to offer themselves for appointment as trustees.
Trustee induction and training
Most new trustees are familiar with the work of the charity. New trustees are encouraged to attend suitable training
courses to familiarise themselves wrth both the V￿rk of the charity and their responsibililies as trustees. They are
also made familiar with the Open Arts. Govemance har)dbook.
Rlsk management
The trustees have carried out a review of the major risks to which the charity is axpos8d, and were appropriat& hava
put in place systems and controls to mitigate the effect of those risks.
Objectives and activities
The principal activity of the company is to promote and COThordinate arts activiti'es of all kinds by and with disabled
people in the area of benefit, in accordan￿ with the principles as laid down in the Memorandum and Articles of
Association of Open Arts.
En
Is our core weekly programme (based on 3 temis of workshops ihroughout the year). This programme engages
nearfy 100 individuals and delivers 8 sessions every week.
We deliver additional projects so that more disabled people, parti¢ularty children and young people, can explore the
arts. We will support core participants to explore their indiwdual development as artists. We also continuously
explore the future of our organisation through research and development.
We produce events and performances so that disabled people can enjoy the achievement of performance and that
audiences can enjoy the creatlve and artlstlc talents of disabled people.
From April 2023 until March 2024. we delivgred 296 creative workshop sessions that engaged 402 individuals.

OPEN ARTS
TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Engage
Is our core weekly programme (based on 3 terms of workshops throughout the year). This programme engage5
nearfy 100 individuals and delivers 8 sessions every week.
From April 2023 until March 2024. we continued to deliver our core programme of activities for disabled adults:
3 x visual classes including one for blind and visually impaired
Monday Players drama
Open Arls Community Choir
Gamelan group
Creative writing
Luminous Soul dance
The core programme enhances participants arbstic skills and is also a safe space where individuals have great
connections each other, which Creates a true sense of belonging. as highlighted in the words of participants:
"If you are thinking about joining Open Arts art classes I would say go for it ￿'th gusto and embrace it, leam from
everyone, there's no pressure to perfon77. It is a safe space where people with disabilities are valued. You can
develop your abilities and make new fn'ends. It is greati.
.1 love how in Luminous Soul we arn encouraged to do our own version of a movement and how we create new
ways of moving together °
°Wg are all the same but in different ways. We hav8 fun and share new ideas. Come and join the Open Arts family
you wony be disappolnted."
Achievements for participants in our core included Luminous Soul perfonning at the high profile One Young World
Op8ning Ceremony in the SSE Arena, whith attracted acclaim across social media:
"Luminous Soul were class. An incredible and inspirational example of inclusion # OYW23 @OneYoungWord'
"standing ovation, absolutely stunning perfonnanGell"
Open Arts Community Choir also came second in a televised choral competition. Curfa. which was broadcast on
TG4.
Comments from the judges induded:
With that song, you lifted our hearts and then shattered them into smithereens. I must say that every time you
come out on stage, you re so kind. so generous and giving..
"It was beautrful, Leslie has a wonderful voice, it's lovely and deep. As for your hamionies the interactions you had
together, the way you told the story through the words. I really enjoyed it."
-It was inGrgdible I have to say l ￿allY enjoyed il. Il's very hard to coffle out on stage and perfom7 unaccompanied
let alone do it well, but I think you did."
"My makg up went everywhere because of the tears shed while I was listening and watching you. You'r8 such a
special Ghoir and that W8S 8 powerful performance."
Open Arts Gamelan in Connswater
In March 2023. we relocated our garnelan to Connswater Shopping Centre. This will give the gamelan increased
visibility, and we will engage with more groups and indNiduals from across East Belfast

OPEN ARTS
TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Explore
Participant Development Programme (PDP)
We support individual participants to develop their own practice through mentoring and produdion support. In 2023
we worked with dan￿r$ Talia McDowell, Andy Paton. and Julie Richmond to produce a performance of their own
Cho￿OgraPhed performance. Communication.
"Beyond proudlTalia, Julianna and Andy put on a fantastic perfomance of their own Ch0reg￿phed piece
Communication, today at ¥lbouncefestiva12023'. It was supert) from start to finish and all their hard work shone
through. Huge thanks to Eileen al Open Arts for supporting them to put on this perfom7ance.°
°BOUn￿ 23 you were amazingl l am so grateful for everyone who came to watchl Just wanted to say a massive
th8nk you to Open Arts for all their support."
In Tune
We continued to work with Angel Eyes Nl and Autism InitiatNes Nl to facilitate creative workshops for children who
are blindlpartially sighted or vtho have autism.
°This prograrnme has been invaluable for K's mental well-being and personal growth. It has provided him with an
opportunity to socialise and leam important skills, helping to build his confidence in a safe and understanding
setbng. K always leaves the music programme Ghatting and happy (this is usually a very rare Occurren￿ when he
has been in a social setting). It also gives me respite and a chan￿ to recharge my own batteries. We are very
grateful to be able to avail of this opportunity and hope it Gan continue as he is progressing so much. He thoroughly
enjoys attending th8s8 class8s, leaming how to play instruments, chat about things of interest to him with p8ople
who hav8 knowledge and genuine love for the subject. Many thanks to everyone involved in puthng this together."
Movement & Mentoring
In August 2023 we began the first Movement & Mentoring project. 12 young people from Mae Murray Teen Hubs
took part in a week-long dance summer scheme. Throughout the week they also had visits from members of
Luminous Soul dance company. This week was followed up with more rehearsals to prepare for a performance as
part of Open Arts event 'Creative Conversations, at the Crescent Arts Centre. part of Bounce Festival. The young
people are also finalising their portfolios for accreditation through Arts Awards.
The sense of athievement among the young people was palpable.
Amazing perfomance at WBounce23' today from ' #MMF, young people. Showing off their skills leaml during
summer dance camp - a collaborabon between Mae Murray Foundation and Open Arts. Well done alll You rocked itl
"I have seen 'S' shine and come out of her shell fmm the start of this project. She was shy. very quiet, now she's
smiling, contributes to the gmup work. speaks up and gives her input. Her confidence is through the roof when she's
dancing. It's like she comes alive..
Identify, Identity, Impact
This is our programme to explore future possibilities for our organisation. This includes working with experts in
market ￿search & development, web design and evaluation.
In 2023-2024 we were partners in the indusive Tourism project for Belfast City Council with Smith & Kent
Consultancy. With our Lived Experience team, we facilitated Liwng Library events. created online training modules,
and filmed 3 accessible itinerary videos. We We￿ also part of the organising team for Belfast's first ever Indusive
Tourism seminar, Embrace the Inclusive Spirit.
This is all part of our development of our 'Chatting for Change. programme, which we will roll out as a training tool
for businesses and organisations.
hank you to @OPENAR TSNI and amazing guests for hosting the Living Library as part of the aGcessibilty and
inclusive session at our industry b17efing yesterday."

OPEN ARTS
TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) {CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
.1 thought the format was excellent. There was time and space to reflect in between discussions and a great group
of people with a rang8 of lived experiences to leam from. Pre-training day reading material was very helpful and the
explanation at thg start great too. Really worthwhile moming all round. thank you..
Enjoy
Takeaway Theatre
The perfomiance is aimed at engaging and empowering the recipient and their family to CO&create a drama based
on a story of their making.
The experience is about engagement, empowerment and fun for the indNidual but it also. importantly. enables
siblings, parents and family members to enjoy a shared experience.
Throughout Ihe year, we delivered visits from Dery to Downpatrick, Bangor to Ballynahinch.
We had the most lovely wsit from Joio and Stephanie. M is shll saying their names. It was such a lovely time
shared with them and so gentle to suit M s needs, which by the end of the session he was confident, excited. alert
and engaged beautifully. I have some lovely photos I d love to share byith you and please feel free to share rf you
wish too. We are so grateful for this seThice. Thank you."
°We had Paul and Stephen aka Ron and Bary hera last n￿h1 for our Takeaway Theatrelllll We absolutely loved itl
M and E had a blast. We were delighted at how M engaged and created his own piece of theatre. We have never
Sg8n M engaged and concentrating and taking part so well. The artists guided us through each stage of cr8ating our
own little show, and we all Iov8d perfonning itl Absolutely amazing, I highly recommend every family to book the
Takeaway Th8atr81°
.1 cannot thank you, and your team. anough for the ama￿.ng time we had today." Jessica and Stephen are wonderful
and brought so much joy into our home. I must say I was a little concemed as A had been in a bit of a Ywist, all
moming and it was hard to know how engaging he would be. However. the pair were able to tum him around and
their patience and creative imaginations were amazing. We all had a really great time. Thank you all so much
again.-
Creative Conversations
On Sunday 8th October we took over the Crescent Arts Centre as part of Bounce Festival!
The audience experienced performances from Monday Players. Open Arts Community Choir, Lurninous Soul
dancers,. heard readings from the creative vrriting group and parttcipated in a workshop with visual art participants.
Inspired by the idea of a 'Living Library, they also had the opportunity to chat with the participants through Q&A
sessions to leam about the diverse perspectives and life experiences of disabled people.
"Just a little note to thank you for a wonderful afternoon yesterday. To see all Open Arts offers and to enjoy the
experience was brilliant. Congratulations to all involved and thank you to Maeve for guiding usl"
It was such a lovely vibe in the bulldlng on Sunday. The sound of the singing in Ihe stal￿ell was inC￿1b18 (and I
particularly enjoyed having a little dance to the choirperfonning in the cafe)
That was a fab performance from Open Arts on Sunday. everyone who was here gave it raving feedback too.
The perfonnances were incredibly moving. and the ch￿r was just stunning on the stal￿ell. Someone even said
they should record there the sound was so good. It was amazing to see Daffen and crew also so so excited about
their performances, and to hear about the script writing going on du17ng lock down etc was amazing. Well done to
the whole team- you were amazing.
Pieces of Us
In June 2023, w8 launched our exhibition 'Pieces of Us, in Arts for All in Cityside., Thi5 was a collective exhibition
from all our visual art groups. Luminous Soul performed in the main mall and Open Arts Community Choir entitsd
the audience into the exhibition space. The exhibrfion was in place until the end of August.

OPEN ARTS
TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
What an amazing show of talent and so many varied art forms. It is also fantaslic to have so many tactile pieces..
other achi8v8ments
In January 2024, our chairperson Margaret Mann won the Arts and Business Award for Leaders on Arts Boards. Our
Finan￿ and Programme Officer also competed ILM Level 5 in Leadership and Management.
Financial review
The company is a non-profit making organisation. The results a￿ set out in detsil on page 5. The company had net
income for the year of £17.540.
The principal funding sources of the charity are by way of grant. principally frorn the Arts Council of Northem Ireland.
and by way of charging fees to variou5 groups for sep11￿$ rendered.
Reserves policy
The trustees have examined the charitys requirements for reserves in light of the main risks to the funding of the
organisation. Unrestricted free reserves are currently £82.340, as detailed in note 14. and this level of reserves
would be sufficient to fund the organisation's running costs for a period of six months at current levels of spending
and cover redundancy payments for the current staff. The trustees consider this level of reserves to be adequate to
meet the needs of the Gharity.
Structurei governance and management
The organisation is a charitsble company limrted by guarantee. Th8 company was established under a
Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the company and is governed under its
Artides of Association. In th8 event of the company beirKJ wound up members are required to contribute an amount
not exceeding £1.
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:
l H Lindsay
S O'Donnell
C Murtagh
J Mcconville
M Mann
K Hughes
A Hope
S Finnegan

OPEN ARTS
TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
ststement of trustees. responsibllities
The Trustees, who are also the directors of Open Arts for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing
the Trustees, Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom
Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Prdctice).
Company Law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and
fair view of the state of affairs of the and of the incoming resources and application of resources, induding the
income and expenditure. of the charilable company for that year.
In preparing these financial statements. the Trustees are required to:
select suitstAe accounting policies and then apply them consistently,.
- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP:
- make judgements and estimates thal a￿ reasonable and prudentr.
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 cOn￿M basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the will
continue in operation.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at
any time Ihe financial position of the and enable them to ensure that the ffinancial statements comply with the
Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the and hence for taking reasonable
steps for the prevention and dètection of fraud and other irregularities.
The trustees, report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
l H Llndsay
Trustee
S Finnegan
Trustee
Date..