Sussex music charity AudioActive are set to take over a vacant building in Worthing town centre. By setting up a hub for both social innovation and music and talent development on Worthing’s High Street, AudioActive will further establish their offering in the town, expanding their work beyond the free music sessions that they already offer to young people locally.
“I’m delighted that AudioActive, who have such a reputation for their fantastic work, are coming here.” – Cllr Kevin Jenkins, Deputy Leader of Worthing Council & Executive Member for Regeneration
The hub will offer a space for further free-to-access music sessions and projects, a fully-equipped music production suite, community and resident recording studio spaces, practice rooms, subsidised offices for music industry development partners, and a vibrant ground-floor community space combining a record store, coffeeshop, intimate performance space and poster wall for other venues and promoters to promote their own gigs.
With over 80% of the refit costs already raised, AudioActive are now reaching out to local businesses and communities for support to help them get this exciting development over the line.
“We have been overwhelmed by the generosity from Worthing so far, both from the council, who’s vision and support in getting the project to this stage has been invaluable – and the many businesses and residents who have offered their help.”
– Adam Joolia, AudioActive CEO
AudioActive’s charity patron, Rag’n’ Bone Man has also publicly backed the new development, with the multi-award winning Sussex-born artist saying:
“The pandemic has hit music and young people hard and this space is going to be a gamechanger. There’s a lot of hidden talent in Worthing and I’m fully supportive of AudioActive’s work here. I wish I’d had something like this where I grew up!”
One of the first local businesses to offer their support is the well-known local estate agent, Michael Jones. To kickstart the recently launched fundraiser, they have offered to match pound-for-pound all donations made to AudioActive’s GoFundMe up to the value of £3000. All funds raised will help AudioActive invest in equipment for the new creative space, as well as the programme of free activities that will be based there, including Equaliser, a young women’s music production drop in, Room to Rant, a rap based mental health initiative and Kustom Vibes, a monthly night providing gig opportunities for aspiring young musicians and artists.
Those who want to support the project can donate via GoFundMe, or contact AudioActive to discuss sponsorship options for the forthcoming space via info@audioactive.org.uk. To get involved in AudioActive’s current projects in Worthing, head to: AudioActive.org.uk/Get-Involved
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