We have written to Cllr Donatus Anyanwu, Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities at Lambeth. As part of his role, Councillor Anyanwu “works with cultural sector and community groups to support the thriving arts and cultural communities”.
“Dear Donatus,
“The recent closure of the Streatham Space Project has caused a good deal of concern locally. In response, local people have come together to create Streatham Arts Community (or SAC) to promote and work towards the reopening of this crucial arts space for the benefit of our community.
“As David Harvey and I [Jane Wroe Wright] are both well connected with local groups such as Streatham Theatre Company, The Friends of Streatham Hill Theatre, The Streatham Society, InStreatham BID, Streatham Action, Streatham Choral, Streatham Festival and more, we believe that we are well placed to take a coordinating role in these efforts. It is in this capacity that we are writing to you to offer Streatham Arts Community’s connections and experience to Lambeth Council to enhance the efforts that, no doubt, you are making towards the same end.
“We share your frustration that Streatham Space Project failed to capture the imagination of patrons, and has proved to be too expensive for local groups to use for their activities. We have over 100 local people who support the reopening of the space and its theatre with a viable and sustainable business model.
“In the first instance, we would like to meet with whoever is handling this matter in your office so that we can explore how best to support your initiatives. We are also available to meet with any operating companies with whom you are discussing the possibility of running the space.
“Having created the Streatham Arts Community, it is our intention to hold a public meeting on the 8th May to discuss a way forward and to explore what talents and connections we have that might be useful.
“Please take this as an invitation to that meeting. We very much hope that you will wish to send a speaker for the panel. Please let us know if you are agreeable to this, and any suggestions about who else might be a constructive addition to the panel.
“If you can arrange access, it would be ideal to host this within the Streatham Space Project itself; failing that we will advise you of the time and the place for the meeting – please let us know if you can attend and your thoughts for the panel.”