A PRESTEIGNE arts centre, dedicated to the leading Australian artist Sidney Nolan, has launched a fundraiser after it closed its doors for the foreseeable future amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Director Andrew Craven said that this will have an “enormous impact” on the small charity. Since 1985 the Sidney Nolan Trust has supported artists to make and present new work and learners of all ages to develop their creativity.

Mr Craven said: “The trust supports jobs and contributes to the cultural life and economy of Herefordshire and the Welsh Marches.

“The crisis will impact all areas of our work and is a huge financial blow to the organisation. We are set to lose most of our income this year, not least our admissions, an income stream of £10,000 that is critically important to us. Our public season is relatively short and we expect much of this year is going to be totally wiped out.”

Mr Craven is asking people to donate to the trust to help see it through the coronavirus crisis.

“If you share our commitment to celebrating the work of Sidney Nolan and maintaining access to the arts, please support us during these challenging times by donating your admission fee of £6, or more if you are in a position to do so. Every gift will count.”

So far, almost £700 has been raised on the GoFundMe page Keeping Art Alive at The Sidney Nolan Trust – but there’s an ambitious target of £10,000 to reach.

“Sidney Nolan was an innovative and experimental artist who was never daunted by a challenge,” Mr Craven said. “We aim to live up to his remarkable legacy but we need your help in this particularly challenging time.

“We are extremely grateful to those who have already given a gift and hope others will be able to do so despite these uncertain times.”