Film projector artwork
Film projector artwork
Plymouth Arts Cinema is a proudly independent cinema in the heart of Plymouth – and has launched a Crowdfunder campaign to raise £10,000 to secure its future - https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/future-of-plymouth-arts-cinema
We live in challenging times for independent cinema. Plymouth Arts Cinema’s team is passionate about securing its future for years to come and is asking for help to make it a sustainable and affordable venue for the whole community.
The organisation has been part of cultural life in Plymouth since 1947, but it is at risk. Backing this Crowdfunder will help PAC to invest in vital upgrades to equipment and to continue to offer affordable tickets for everyone.
Rewards have been donated by Plymouth Arts Cinema’s suppliers and cultural partners: Salcombe Dairy, Summerskills Brewery, Canton Tea, wine from Tolchards, Ocean Studios and Plymouth Gin Distillery. Also on offer are Plymouth Arts Cinema mugs, tote bags, pin badges, film posters, memberships to see unlimited films, pay it forward tickets and cinema hire.
Plymouth Arts Cinema is unique in Plymouth. It screens films from around the world that you cannot see anywhere else in the city, hosts talks with special guests from the film industry, supports local filmmakers and runs archive film screenings, Bringing in Baby Events and Relaxed and Inclusive Screenings. It works in partnership with many other cultural organisations, schools and colleges and grass-roots organisations to host film events which raise awareness about the environment and climate change and issues facing our society today.
Plymouth Arts Cinema is a vital space in the city where people gather together to explore and debate ideas.
“The world gets bigger with each movie I watch at Plymouth Arts Cinema.” - PAC Audience Member
“Bringing in Baby has been the highlight of my maternity leave and I cannot recommend it highly enough if you are in need of a treat (which… let’s face it, you probably are!)” - PAC Audience Member
The Crowdfunder will help the cinema to face some of the biggest challenges of our time:
1) The cost-of-living crisis; the aim is to keep cinema-going affordable to all. It is widely proven that engagement with the arts alleviates anxiety, depression and stress, boosting feelings of wellbeing and building communities. In the current cost-of-living crisis, it is getting harder for people to afford to see films in cinemas. A £4 Budget ticket in a trial period in the last quarter of 2022 was very popular, and Plymouth Live named PAC as one of Plymouth’s kindest businesses for this initiative. Support will help PAC continue to offer this low ticket price to those most in need.
“I really appreciate the concession prices, otherwise I just wouldn’t be able to afford to see such a range of films. My son is studying film production at Uni and every time he comes down we book a film with you!” - PAC Audience Member
“I have been somewhat unwell of late but as I started as a volunteer way back in October 1978, I was determined to cover yesterday's matinee. Nearly capacity performance - a deluge of older people and just one smiley lad of about 16. The whole experience made me feel so much better and confirmed the fact that cinema-going can still be a wonderful way to spend an afternoon in a world fraught with hostility and sadness.” – PAC Usher, Allen Pollock
2) Climate change; the cinema aims to invest in equipment to make it more energy efficient, support greener modes of transport to the cinema and raise awareness with events. Equipment such as the projector and coffee machine are coming towards the end of their life. Investment is needed in order to improve, maintain and even replace some of these things, and the aim is to do it sustainably, in more energy efficient ways.
“Excellent way of connecting ideas through films. Loved that there was a workshop, film intro and a screening, all related to the subject. You really wouldn’t get this kind of cinema event happening anywhere else.” - PAC Audience Member
“I love the warm friendly welcome from the staff and volunteers, the comfort of the seats (as I’m disabled), the coffee and the amazing programming – we get to see some films we wouldn’t otherwise see.” - PAC Audience Member
Supporters of this Crowdfunder will:
- help Plymouth Arts Cinema to offer low-income tickets to all of those who need them
- help Plymouth Arts Cinema invest in and renew more energy efficient equipment
- facilitate everyone to have the means to go to the cinema, make time for themselves and engage with others
- be helping Plymouth Arts Cinema reach new people in our community.