A Kendal-based eco-arts organisation is opening its new town centre home this weekend.
Ragtag Arts was based on the Mealbank Industrial Estate, but in the first week of January, its building was flooded.
On Saturday, the Ragtag team will throw open the doors of their new temporary space in Elephant Yard.
Emily Dewhurst, Ragtag’s executive director, said: “We started the new year with what looked like Niagara Falls coming down the stairs, but we’ve been absolutely blown away by the support we’ve received from the community.
“I don’t think we quite realised how significant Ragtag is to so many people, until we were forced to close.
“Its been a lot of hard work but a huge number of people have stepped up to help us move, and we can’t wait to open on Saturday and welcome people to the new space.”
After it became clear its Mealbank building would take many months to repair, Ragtag was invited to move into Elephant Yard for six months, and put out a call out for volunteers to help make the move.
“I think we’d still be moving now without all the people who have lifted and carried, driven vans, cleaned and sorted,” said Josh Simpson, Ragtag’s creative director and Emily’s brother.
“We even had one girl who comes to our art club, coming in to volunteer after school, sharpening pencils ready for our workshop space to open.
“This move just wouldn’t have happened without the support of the community.”
Ragtag’s new space, in the former Todds premises, includes the crafty cafe, where people of all ages can get a quality brew and piece of cake, while trying their hand at something creative.
Also inside is a space for creative workshops and for children’s parties, plus a new dedicated play area for under-fives.
The scrapstore, where people can buy reclaimed materials to use in their own creative projects, is also making the move to the town centre premises.
Moving has also improved Ragtag’s accessibility, as the new ground floor space being fully wheelchair accessible.
Josh said they were also keen to see how other community groups can use the space and added: “We want to hear from organisations looking for town centre space for activities; we want to think how we can collaborate.
“This whole experience has brought home just how important community is. So we want this to really be a space that benefits everyone in the town.”
The move to Elephant Yard has been made easier thanks to the team at the centre, who have helped to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Centre manager Vicki Askew said: “After unfortunate events put their premises out of action, Ragtag are using our vacant unit, turning it into a fabulous crafty wonderland, for all ages and abilities to enjoy.
“Local charities play a key role in bringing people into our town, through community events, fundraisers, festivals and volunteer initiatives, which attract visitors from local and surrounding areas.
“We look forward to seeing and welcoming new faces to the yard and wish them every success.”
At its Mealbank premises, Ragtag’s landlord is waiving the rent and work is underway to restore the building which suffered extensive damage. However, those works are expected to take months.
Despite raising over £2,000 through a Crowdfunding campaign, and the generosity of Elephant Yard, and its existing landlord, Ragtag said it was still facing financial challenges, having lost a month of activities and project delivery.
The organisation has had to waive rents for the eight local artists who have studios at its Mealbank premises while restoration work continues, and has had to temporarily close its ceramics studio membership scheme.
Emily added: “There are going to be a lot of hidden costs, and we’re having to pay business rates on the new space, but we’re determined to find solutions with and for our community and we’d love to hear from anyone who wants to be part of that.”
The team added that the coming weeks will involve a bit of trial and error while they settle into their new home.
Emily said: “Its going to be a steep learning curve. So we’d just ask that people bear with us while we see how busy we’re going to be and how everything works.”
Ragtag’s new space at Elephant Yard will be open Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10am. Half term activities are open to families and don’t need to be booked in advance.
For more information about Ragtag’s activities and projects, or to find out about volunteering visit www.ragtagarts.co.uk
