Art gallery to close due to 'financial challenges'

An art gallery that has been running for three decades will shut later this year, its board of trustees said.

The Babylon Art Gallery, in Ely, Cambridgeshire, will "begin winding down operations" before permanently closing in September.

The board said the gallery had faced financial challenges and numerous efforts to secure funding had fallen through.

The art gallery said on its website: "We are also deeply appreciative of the generous contributions that have enabled us to deliver so many fantastic projects over the years."

Speaking about steps taken to keep it afloat, the board said: "In September 2024, the trustees informed key stakeholders of the gallery's ongoing financial challenges. Since then, numerous efforts have been made to secure sustainable funding through negotiations with local authorities and other organisations.

"Despite clear communication that core funding was urgently needed by the end of February 2025, these efforts have not resulted in the necessary support, leaving the trustees with no choice but to close the gallery and cease operations."

The board said to try and preserve "cultural offerings in Ely", it had worked to ensure the "continuation of arts cinema in the area".

"We are pleased to announce that Ely Community Cinema will be launching in the spring of 2025," it added.

"We are also pleased to confirm that Market Place has constituted as a Charity and will continue as MarketPlace Arts and wish them well in the future."

Peter Dawe, who works for the cinema, said: "I put a call out and have been overwhelmed by both the numbers - I think we have over 70 volunteers now - but more importantly, by the quality of people."

He added that "art charities across the country" have also faced similar struggles ot keep open.

The trustees said several projects and exhibitions were planned at the art gallery before its closure, including Creative Fenland and Ely Arts Festival.

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