A Statement to FRIENDS OF THE FORT
by The Fort Arts Hub Ltd.
The Fort project has always been reliant on strong working relationships, understanding and goodwill between all parties in order to fully succeed. Alongside all the wonderful inspiration and creative pursuits hosted through The Fort complex (Bell Bros building), over the past 6 months or so, the level of litigation, rent dodgers, building issues, fines and new rules – including The Fort sign being removed – have and made it difficult for us to maintain our vision for a productive, collaborative and unique creative complex.
After much debate and expensive legal battles it has become clear that we need to move our project out of the Bell Bros. building which has been hosting “The Fort” since November 2008.
The Fort was always an ambitious project but the challenges we have had to overcome – in particular those we have not been able to – have put an incredible strain on us personally and professionally. Rather than pursuing the fantastic creative projects we have become known for, we, The Fort’s volunteer Directors, have been spending most of our time fighting battles to “save The Fort” with no foreseeable end. As a result, our own creative endeavours and livelihoods have suffered. The success of the August 2010 fundraiser (thank you Brisbane!!) helped hugely with rent arrears (including those of certain “artful dodgers”) and with other important equipment and services to keep The Fort operational, but unfortunately now we are facing such constraints and an overall change in attitude towards the project by important stakeholders which, sadly, no amount of money can help us overcome.
While we have decided to seek more suitable premises to pursue our objectives (also below) we will continue to facilitate creative projects, and we are in the process of starting up an online gallery. And although we are moving out (a lengthy and expensive process) some of our creative partners will stay in the Bell Bros. building including Rehab Records (record store) so we hope you will continue supporting their fantastic work!
On behalf of the The Fort we thank you so much for your incredible support over the years, and your understanding during these hard times.
Stay awesome!
Pete Gorrie & Kelly Timmons
Directors
The Fort Arts Hub Ltd.
The Fort Arts Hub Ltd. was established for the public charitable purpose to:
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