Upton Park theatre company Applecart Arts is getting even more creative in response to the effects of the corona virus on the cultural sector.

Based at the Harold Road Community Centre, Applecart closed the doors of its well known ‘creative hub’ in spring 2020 and has since looked for new ways to connect with audiences and support artists.

Live streaming of events and performances are proving popular. Their first live stream The Flying Seagull Spectacular was watched by nearly 6,000 people worldwide from Seattle and Melbourne to Cape Town.

Applecart has received funding from the Arts Council as part of emergency relief funds and has proposals for a number of community projects in the pipeline. They also want to develop partnerships with the local council, schools, charities and businesses.

Marketing officer Saskia Osterloff said:

As a grassroots arts organisation we’re used to living hand to mouth, but we have the bonus of the creativity and resourcefulness of our local community to draw on as we navigate the months ahead.

Last year, the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund awarded funding to 13 organisations in Newham, including Applecart Arts, and Pioneer Theatres which is located in Theatre Royal Stratford East, and immersive music arts company, Block9.

www.applecartarts.com

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