LONDON.- Today, the South London Gallery launched a month long crowdfunding campaign on Art Happens, Art Fund’s crowdfunding platform. Money raised will go towards the final stages of transforming the formerly derelict Fire Station into a new cultural centre that will open on 20 September 2018.

With construction work on the Fire Station nearing completion the SLG now needs to raise the final £350,000 in the £4 million campaign. The SLG is working with Art Happens, Art Fund’s crowdfunding platform to raise £25,000 towards the target to kit out the building, so that it is ready for visitors this autumn. Donations will go directly towards preparing the new education space, archive room, artists’ studio and communal kitchen. For example, for the communal kitchen to become a hub for community meals and artist-led events, it will need cooking equipment and furniture and the education space will need tables and chairs to host people of all ages as part of the SLG’s inspiring, expanded education and heritage programmes.

The gallery has just 30 days to raise £25,000 and won’t receive any of the money unless the campaign hits its target. The SLG is asking people to contribute whatever they can and to help spread the word about the project before it closes on 2 July 2018.

Donations can be made from as little as £5. There are a number of exclusive rewards available for donors including dinner and a talk at the Fire Station hosted by 6a, the architects of the project, and SLG Director Margot Heller. Supporters can also choose from one-off experiences with internationally renowned contemporary artists: a special supper party with Oscar Murillo in his studio and a tour of the Fire Station opening exhibition with Ryan Gander.

The Fire Station located across the road, just 100m from the Gallery’s main site, was donated to the SLG in 2014 by an anonymous benefactor. Dating from 1867, it is the earliest surviving example of a purpose-built fire station in London. The former fire station was left derelict for many years, but the SLG has been restoring this Grade II listed building in a design by 6a architects.

When the building opens to the public this September it will double the SLG’s capacity, enabling the SLG to expand its internationally acclaimed contemporary exhibitions and events programme and its award-winning education work with local residents. The SLG has just under £350,000 left to raise towards the overall £4million project which has been generously supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), the Mayor’s London Regeneration Fund and Arts Council England as well as funding from a number of trusts, foundations, individuals and commercial galleries. Funds raised through Art Happens will go directly towards kitting out the Fire Station with furniture and equipment, creating a dynamic and welcoming space for visitors in September.