Footscray Community Arts is asking for the community’s help to replace a much loved van.
For more than 20 years, the van has become an essential means of transportation for deaf and disabled artists to connect with the arts industry and the community.
The community van has enabled those who cannot drive themselves to take part in the ArtLife program.
Footscray Community Arts has launched an online fundraising campaign for the purchase of the new van, with more than $7300 raised at the time of publication.
On Saturday, May 6, Footscray Community Arts is hosting a Makers Market and ‘giving day’, which will contribute towards the fundraising campaign.
Footscray Community Arts ArtLife manager Louisa Carter said the van is now nearing the end of its life, becoming inaccessible for many artists and becoming increasingly difficult and unreliable to drive.
“We urgently need the support of our community to replace this vital resource,” she said.
“As one of the only mainstream art organisations registered as a NDIS provider in Australia, we are passionate about access, equity and creativity.”
Every dollar raised up to $50,000 before Wednesday, May 31 will be matched by Creative Partnerships Australia and their Plus1 fundraising program.
Designed to boost the fundraising efforts of small to medium not-for-profit arts organisations, the program will allow for a potential of $100,000 to be raised for the campaign.
The new van will include access enhancements, such as a wheelchair lift.
For some, the van is the only means of transportation to the centre and other neighboring art centres, galleries and venues.
Details: chuffed.org/project/we-need-a-new-van
Jennifer Pittorino
