Hidden Door is a name well known to those interested in arts or music in Edinburgh. In recent years they have grown from an experiment to an established festival in Scotland, moving from one careworn building to another in the process.
In the first year they began life in the Waverley Arches which are now thriving shops, and another year they took over empty spaces in King’s Stables Road.
There are about ten organisers throughout the year and the crew rises to about forty nearer the time of the festival itself. They want to register as a charity and the fundraising will help with that.
But the challenges of doing all of this with volunteers and unreliable funding has taken its toll. Organisers now want to put the festival on a more secure financial footing and are seeking fundraising of around £80,000 to ensure the future of one of Scotland’s most exciting arts events.
We spoke to Hidden Door’s David Martin about the crowdfunder which is now live on their website.
There is a range of packages available all offering some benefit in return for a donation, including invitations to exclusive events and VIP experiences, discounted tickets and behind the scenes access.
[tweet_box design=”default”]Become a Hidden Door Supporter, Member, Patron, Ambassador or Saviour in their new fundraising campaign which begins today. Visit www.savehiddendoor.com to help and donate. #SaveHiddenDoor [/tweet_box]Last year the festival took up residence at Leith Theatre building bars with pallets and bringing the arts venue back to life.
Irvine Welsh, author and Patron of Leith Theatre, said: “The contribution that Hidden Door made when they worked with us to open up Leith Theatre last year and showcase its potential made an absolutely massive difference to the Trust’s progress. It’s important to support grassroot arts organisations who give space and a platform to emerging artists. I really hope they succeed in raising enough money to keep contributing to Edinburgh’s edgier and inclusive scene.”
Vic Galloway, DJ and presenter, BBC Scotland, said: “Hidden Door Festival is one of the most exciting and innovative events happening across Edinburgh’s vibrant arts calendar. I see its future and reputation growing in stature as it progresses forward, and I wholeheartedly support its vision. Scotland and Edinburgh especially needs this event to flourish and succeed!”
Jack Hunter, Chair of Leith Theatre Trust, said: “Hidden Door has been instrumental in our campaign to save the theatre, and generous in its time and support. We very much hope that it will succeed in its bid to raise funds and remain an exciting and passionate voice in Edinburgh and Scotland’s cultural scene.”
Visit www.savehiddendoor.com to find out more and donate.
Hidden Door is an arts organisation which aims to open up urban spaces as a platform for new and emerging artists, musicians, theatre makers, performers, film makers and poets. Through organising temporary events Hidden Door works to showcase new work and create engaging environments for the public to experience, explore and discover.
Website: http://www.savehiddendoor.com
Hashtag: #SaveHiddenDoor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hiddendoorarts
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hiddendoor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hiddendoorarts
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
