Applecart Arts, the much loved community arts venue in Newham, has officially closed after falling short in its bid to raise £100,000 to remain open long-term. Based in the historic Passmore Edwards Building in Plashet Park, the charity had become a cultural touchstone in east London offering performances, events, and a platform for emerging artists since its founding.
Despite two public rallies and a wave of community support late last year, Applecart confirmed its closure on 30 December. The organisation managed to raise just under £10,000 through a fundraising campaign, but it wasn’t enough to bridge the gap.
Calls for a one-off emergency grant from Newham Council were unsuccessful, with the council citing budget constraints. In a statement, a council spokesperson said they were “saddened” by the news.
Applecart’s departure marks more than the loss of a venue it closes the chapter on a space that had become a fixture in the local arts scene. Since taking over the building, the charity had invested more than £70,000 in restoration work and helped inject an estimated £1.2 million into the local economy. Over 700 emerging artists and 100 theatre companies showcased work within its walls.
Entertainment union Equity called the closure a “great loss” to both the creative and local community.
In a statement shared by co-founder Peter Moreton at a Newham Council meeting in December, he reflected on Applecart’s role as “a beacon of hope” for the area. While the building may go quiet, the legacy of the venue as a launchpad for creativity and community will likely echo for years to come.
