We are over the moon to announce that we have been awarded £96,420 as part of the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund.

The Old Fire Station is a unique centre for creativity, with our theatre, gallery, shop and studios running a lively and vibrant programme of all different kinds of artistic work, which is woven in amongst all of the amazing work Crisis do to support people experiencing homelessness in the building we share together.  

Our organisation’s work has become a way for people from all walks of life in this community to find solace, joy, and connection during good times and bad. It is needed now more than ever, and the Old Fire Station can play a significant role in Oxford’s recovery from this crisis. Our city is known for its beautiful architecture and world class university, but the wealth gap here is significant – 12 neighbourhoods in Oxford are amongst the 20% most deprived areas in England.  

Oxford needs the Old Fire Station because it is about openness, inclusion, looking forward and different thinking – it acts as a bridge between sectors, organisations and people. 

We are here to produce and present work across art forms, help people to be creative, support artists, include people who are facing tough times because of disadvantage, and work with communities across Oxford. And, in everything we do, we need to consider how it helps us to face the climate emergency, unlearn discrimination, be human friendly, experiment, listen and build financial resilience. 

We’re reflecting deeply and thinking on our feet, seeing what work needs to be done, and securing our place in Oxford. This funding is an incredible lifeline to secure our recovery. Our hope now is that the community and our friends will stick by us to make sure we have a long future making Oxford a better place for everyone.