## **Creative Village Dundrum** 

## **Report and Financial statements** 

**Year ending 31 March 2023** 

**Charity number: 108119** 



## **Report of the Chair/trustees 20th June 2023** 

The purposes of the charity are: 

To manage the network of artists and crafters in Dundrum and surrounding areas; 

To deliver creative programmes and events in the village and surrounding areas; 

To establish a weekly book corner in the village: 

To reduce isolation and develop social opportunities for the local community and the surrounding local areas; 

To provide opportunity for skills development, capacity building and learning for the local community and the surrounding area; and 

To advance the health and wellbeing of the local community and the . surrounding areas through all aspects of the arts 



The past year has been an exciting one for Creative Village Dundrum. After 2/3 years of operating from any available premises and open spaces in the village we eventually found our own premises at 3 Church View Dundrum. We were fortunate that we were able to negotiate with the Dundrum Development Association on the need for our services to the community of Dundrum and surrounding areas and they very kindly agreed to fund our first year's rent of £5000. We were also greatly supported both financially and with practical hands-on support by Clanmil Housing Association and County Down Rural Community Network. Furthermore, having been registered with the Charity Commission NI, we were eligible to receive rates exemption relieving us of an impossible burden of having to raise money to pay rates. This made it possible for us to sign our lease on 6th June 2022. It was all systems go with our invaluable committee members giving their free time and much hard work to open our premises at breakneck speed to the community. 

Since opening, in the past year we have facilitated art classes, drop in community art sessions, space for local artists to work from, ceramics, specialised art workshops such as seascapes, sip and paint, charcoal drawing, wreath making for spring and Christmas, public art to be displayed within the village, James Joyce Ulysses group, a more informal book club, set up a choir, a gardening club, a songwriting group, zumba /pilates/yoga and tai chi classes and a gardening club tied in with another charity in the village. We are currently working with other groups within the village to launch the first festival for many years within Dundrum on 22 July 2023. None of this would have been possible without our dedicated committee members. 

We would also like to mention our knitting/yarn/crafts group who have been involved since our earliest days and who constantly cheer up the village with their ever changing and colourful yarn 



bombing and the organisers of our local Open mic which draws talent from within the village and surrounding areas. 

. We have exciting times ahead Our aim is to continue to provide and expand all aspects of creative arts to the community in our shared space; 

To relieve social isolation 

To raise the profile of creative talent within our area 

To be environmentally aware 

To work with other groups 

To increase the number of active members 

To create a business plan with the help of Clanmil Housing Association . and East Down Rural Community Network 

## Rosemary McManus 

Chair Trustee