News / Sparks Bristol
Arts and sustainability hub needs ‘urgent support’ to keep going
From bike repairs to Bristol wares, workshops to winter warmers, arts, advice, exhibitions and more, Sparks has brought the former Marks & Spencer building back to life.
But the team behind the arts and sustainability hub in Broadmead say they need urgent help to keep their doors open and continue their work in supporting individuals and small businesses, educating people and saving items from landfill.
Since it first opened as “a department store with a difference” in May this year, Sparks has welcomed some 9,000 visitors per week, given fuel poverty advice to 1,315 people, saved 6,700 items from landfill, run activities for nearly 1,200 children and provided a safe haven for those with sensory and mental health needs.
is needed now More than ever
The hub, which was created by Global Goals Centre and Artspace Lifespace in collaboration with The Invisible Circus, has announced that it has been granted permission to continue into 2025 – with plans to do more if it can garner enough support from the public.
https://twitter.com/GlobalGoalsCtre/status/1729833799440089348
The team said: “We offer school workshops, community spaces, art and cultural exhibitions, recycling and reuse opportunities, and advice on travel and energy. We also offer trading opportunities to over 100 small local sustainable independent traders, including refugee-led sole-traders.
“But we receive no government funding which is why we urgently need your support to continue this vital work and increase our community and educational impact.”
They added: “We’ve used donated and recycled materials to create Sparks, but we now need resources to run it.”
Find out more and support the fundraising efforts via: www.app.goodhub.com/sparks2023?mc_cid=a2899b72d3&mc_eid=13def2552c
Main photo: Mia Vines Booth
Read next:
- Sustainability and creativity hub opens within former M&S
- Work of young Bristol climate and social justice heroes recognised
- The Island celebrates 15 years with open studios event
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