Redwing, a Penzance-based community hub and café that helps vulnerable, local artists to promote and display their work, has received £10,000 of matched funding from Santander’s new Changemaker Fund.
The Fund, which was launched at the end of last year as part of an innovative collaboration between Santander and a rewards-based crowdfunding platform, is designed to help social enterprises, small charities and community groups deliver projects that improve communities and help disadvantaged people to have confidence in the future.
Redwing is a community hub run by volunteers to give local artists a space to display their work to the public. The centre provides materials and training for vulnerable artists with disabilities or on low-incomes who feel excluded from the mainstream art market, as well as a café for the public to enjoy. The building which houses Redwing has been put up for sale, and the funding will enable the enterprise to secure a long-term base to continue.
Sue Douthwaite, Managing Director of Santander Business Banking, commented: “We are thrilled to be able to support Redwing as they look to secure their premises. The community hub is a really exciting project which works hard to support local artists and we look forward to watching it grow.”
Roselyn Williams, Director at Redwing, commented: “Through the Changemaker Fund we have been able to raise the funds to provide a long-term secure base for Redwing, enabling the project to continue and help the art community in and around Penzance.”
The new Changemaker Fund, www.crowdfunder.co.uk/changemaker, is part of Santander’s flagship community programme, The Discovery Project, which aims to inspire people to have confidence in the future through projects that build skills, grow knowledge and support innovation.
By working together with Crowdfunder, Santander aims to enable entrepreneurs and community groups to tackle social challenges and create positive local impact. Eligible projects seeking funding of up to £20,000 and focussed on skills, knowledge and innovation that get the crowd’s backing will receive 50% of their funding requirement from Santander to ensure the enterprise reaches its target.
As well as access to the £200,000 matched funding from Santander, projects will benefit from crowdfunding team specialists with education, enterprise and coaching support to unlock further funds and create lasting impacts in communities across the UK.
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About Santander
Santander UK is a financial services provider in the UK that offers a wide range of personal and commercial financial products and services. It has brought real competition to the UK, through its innovative products for retail customers and relationship banking model for UK SMEs. At 31 December 2016, the bank serves around 14 million active customers with c20,000 employees and operates through 841 branches (which includes 60 university branches) and 67 regional Corporate Business Centres. Santander UK is subject to the full supervision of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) in the UK. Santander UK plc customers are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) in the UK.
Banco Santander (SAN SM, STD US, BNC LN) is a leading retail and commercial bank, headquartered in Spain, with a meaningful market share in 10 core countries in Europe and the Americas. It is among the world’s top banks by market capitalization. The bank’s purpose is to help people and businesses prosper, in a way that is simple, personal and fair. Founded in 1857, Santander had EUR 1.52 trillion in managed funds, 125 million customers, 12,200 branches and 188,000 employees at the close of 2016. Santander made attributable profit of EUR 6,204 million in 2016, an increase of 4% compared to the previous year.
About Redwing
Redwing Gallery is an alternative arts space where artists of all ages and all backgrounds are valued equally. Redwing’s mission is to be inclusive and approachable, supporting all. This includes professional artists, people with learning difficulties, physical and sensory disabilities, mental health issues and people who lack the technical skills, social skills or financial circumstances needed to fit the commercial norm. For more information please visit http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/redwing
Media Enquiries
Sarah Webster T: 020 7756 5533 M: 07568 112 529 E: sarah.webster@santander.co.uk
Stephanie Harris T: 020 7756 4221 M: 07841 506 668 E: stephanie.harris@santander.co.uk
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