The multi-faceted, Hove based cultural venue and theatre The Old Market (aka TOM) yesterday launched its newest plan. After twelve years of transformation and dedicated philanthropy, TOM has now started to operate as an independent charity. Opened in 2011 to create an independent hub for the arts, now in 2024, the venue becomes The Old Market Charitable Trust.
Launching on 21st June 2024, the founders coming from home grown musical pioneeer STOMP welcomed supporters from across Brighton and Hove to share in this new venture, hear some of the stories of origins of TOM, success stories, activities and how over 55,000 people come through its doors each year to experience live music, film, boundary-breaking theatre, dance, cabaret, comedy, literature, workshops and performances using new technologies.
Guests were invited to share drinks, canapes and a bespoke film to launch the charity and hear more about how to get involved in this shift in the oragnisation’s development. As a medium-sized venue in a city of tiny and huge venues, it is unique in its capacity, with a niche placement for up and coming bands, performers, theatre productions and events in its multi-format (300-seat, 500-standing capacity) space.
The venue has long worked with, and championed Brighton & Hove’s melting pot of artists, musicians, writers and filmmakers, and creativity to offer a great space to present and develop new ideas.
It also offers a platform to cultural festivals, independent promoters and national arts organisations, to bring greater breadth to the programme.
As this exciting next chapter and status begins, the aim is to position The Old Market in a sustainable way to continue delivering cultural engagement and also plan a resilient future for its facilities and maintain its independent and innovative approach to the arts.
WHY TOM 500?
The Old Market Charitable Trust does not currently receive any regular public funding so its income will all be self-generated. With support from the generosity of individuals like you. Every ticket purchased, event hosted, donation made, and pound earned supports our innovative programme and enables the widest possible range of people to experience the magic of The Old Market.
This is an opportunity to get involved with TOM 500 to encourage its evolution and to protect this unique space and champion the many artists who use it to create incredible and inspiring work.
As a TOM 500 participant, this offers a unique vantage point, invitations to exclusive events, enjoy exclusive benefits, and share these incredible experiences with other like-minded, passionate participants, TOM Trustees and team.
As part of this, The Old Market launches ‘TOM’ tags – these indicate hand-picked and specially curated events and opportunities to enjoy member private events at Brighton’s ‘hidden gem’.
It is an opportunity to be heard within the arts, to give advice, ideas, and suggestions on how TOM performs, and to be a proud, proactive participant in helping secure the future of this important cultural venue for generations to come.
https://www.theoldmarket.com/about-us
