Harrogate learning disabled artists are backing a campaign to help secure the future of the charity that supports them.
Pyramid, which has worked with people with learning disabilities and autism across Yorkshire for more than 35 years, has launched a £20,000 crowdfunder after warning that rising costs, funding cuts and a challenging fundraising environment are putting pressure on its future.
The charity supports nearly 60 learning disabled and autistic artists each year, including members from Harrogate and North Yorkshire, delivering more than 1,500 hours of creative workshops and opportunities to develop as professional artists.
The appeal, called Protect Pyramid's Future, aims to raise £20,000 by 1 September.
The funding would help protect weekly art groups, flexible studio sessions and one-to-one artist support, while also enabling Pyramid to develop a new range of products featuring members' artwork.
One of the artists supporting the appeal is Alfie, who has a learning disability and travels from North Yorkshire to attend Pyramid's accessible studio.
Alfie said:
"I love coming to Pyramid as it is a place where people listen to my ideas and help me develop.
"I have learnt lots of new things at Pyramid and it was a dream come true to work on projects with a professional film maker.
"Pyramid has given me so many opportunities to make art and advocate for myself."
Mindy Goose, Trustee of Pyramid, said:
"Pyramid is incredibly unique in the support we offer artists like Alfie. Without us, many people with learning disabilities and autism in Yorkshire wouldn't be able to develop the skills and confidence they need to go on to become working artists.
"We know our work makes a real difference to our members and to the cultural life of the region.
"But like many arts organisations, we are facing significant financial pressures that have brought us to this critical moment. Without additional support, we will have to make difficult decisions about our future programme.
"Our members want to make big change through big art to help challenge perceptions and inspire change for many years to come."
The charity says more than 70 people have donated since the campaign launched just over a week ago, with around 15% of its £20,000 target already raised.
Funds raised will help Pyramid continue supporting learning disabled and autistic artists while strengthening the organisation's long-term future.
Find out more and support the Crowdfunder campaign here.
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