We have just heard that our application to the Culture Fund for funding towards running The Lounge has been successful. We submitted our proposal a month or two back and have just heard that we've been awarded the full $6000 USD that we asked for - AMAZING!! So excited and chuffed and it's perfect timing. So far we've relied on a one-off donation from the Artisan community and some small donations collected at last months' Lounge for our funding, but it's fair to say the money side of things was a bit of a knife edge and a step of faith! Now we can really plan ahead :-) It's a great endorsement of the project and what it represents as a whole - a place, space and platform for performers to have their voices heard and to foster and encourage new talent and collaborations. We're so grateful to all who believe in this and have donated their equipment, time and encouragement to The Lounge so far. Not least to my co-facilitators Oria and Tswa who have powered this all. YEBO!
We have just had a 2 month review of our progress and identified a few issues that need addressing. I don't think any of us could have forseen the overwelmingly positive response to The Lounge - it's great. But we had a potentially difficult meeting at the top of this week with regard to our relationship with the National Gallery in Bulawayo and whether they would continue to allow us to hold the event there. We had been advised to look elsewhere for a venue but after Tuesday's meeting it looks likely that, with a few revisions implemented, it should be possible to continue at the gallery. This is great news as it feels so in keeping with our heart for the place and the community. Perhaps we needed to renew our commitment to the project and to fight to champion this.
Right, I'm off out to celebrate...!
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