The Mart Theatre, based at Skipton Auction Mart, has warned it could be forced to close for good if it doesn't raise enough money through a local appeal.
The venue opened in 2005 and regularly hosts touring shows as well as local productions. It is also home to the popular Art in the Pen and Crafts in the Pen events and also hosts events such as Yarndale, The Yorkshire Flea and Le Petit Depart.
The Mart Theatre says it's been doing everything possible to try to save the facility from closure, but says the Covid-19 pandemic has 'effectively shut down every aspect of the company'.
It says it has been ineligible for the government business and leisure grants, and was unsuccessful in its application for an Arts Council England grant due to the competition for funds.
Cancelling Art in the Pen due to Covid-19 has now put Art in the Pen, Crafts in the Pen and The Mart Theatre at risk of permanent closure in 2021, while Yarndale and The Yorkshire Flea may also cease to run at Skipton Auction Mart.
The venue said in an email to subscribers: "The business is unable to make any income until March 2021.We have gratefully received a £4,000 grant from Craven District Council, which contributes to 13% of our total requirement. We have exhausted all potential grant schemes and are hoping that a JustGiving campaign can help save our events. Any donation, regardless of size is hugely appreciated."
Every donation to the JustGiving campaign helps to save our events, which have created over 4,000 exhibitor opportunities to small local businesses. The events have also welcomed over 100,000 visitors into Skipton and the surrounding area. Your donation will help us to keep our doors open to visitors for years to come."
The Mart Theatre says it hopes to raise £26,000 to pay ongoing business costs until events can start making income again - these costs include insurance, staff wages and admin costs. Any excess funding raised through the appeal would be distributed equally among artists and hirers to support their work by making exhibitor fees for Art In the Pen and Crafts in the Pen cheaper next year and reducing the cost of hiring the venue.
You can make a donation to the appeal via the Mart Theatre website.
All scheduled shows planned for The Mart Theatre have been postponed. Those with tickets will be informed when a new date has been confirmed. It says if the fundraising isn't successful and the theatre has to close, full refunds will be issued.
Be part of this historic moment in Ilkley’s story
Addingham man conducts wedding in German in Skipton's twin town
Visionary composer Andrew Wasylyk to perform in Ilkley this September
Calls to 'respect the moorland' following theft of signs on Ilkley Moor
Fourth event in the CAI series Your World, Your Vote
St George celebrated in Keighley
Keighley Playhouse Presents: Jack Popplewell's Hilarious Comedy "Busybody"
Friends of Ilkley Rail Station holds first volunteer day
Spring opening announced for Ilkley Lido
Go behind the scenes with 'Mr Bates vs the Post Office' writer
Plans approved to bring former Skipton department store back into use
Celebrate the beauty of cherry blossom at Keighley’s Cliffe Castle
Village inn reopens after full refurbishment
Woman dies after emergency crews attend Skipton bus station
Charity appoints new Keighley-based arts and heritage officer
Skipton church to offer improved facilities
Geoff, 80 from Ilkley to run the London Marathon
Police appeal for missing 25 year old from Ilkley (FOUND)
What's on at Ilkley Playhouse
Ilkley BID announced as Ilkley Carnival main sponsor
