Streetwise Opera is delighted to take part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge, an online match-funding campaign to raise money towards our series of Opera Hour performances in each of our five regions.
From January onwards, our groups of performers in London, Manchester, Nottingham, Newcastle Gateshead and Teesside will each learn a new opera chorus, created by our Composers-in-Residence and our performers (more about this project here), and rehearse existing repertoire to perform in venues such as Southbank Centre, Royal Northern College of Music and Middlesbrough Town Hall.
Unfortunately, homelessness is on the rise; research showed that between 2010 and 2017, the level of rough sleeping in England increased by 169%, and there has been a 75% increase in households in temporary accommodation. At Streetwise Opera, we know that people who are homeless need stable housing, jobs and food. We also know that the confidence, wellbeing and social networks that people develop through participation in the arts can play a vital part in breaking the cycle of homelessness.
Our Opera Hours Series will give our performers the opportunity to collaborate with inspiring artists, take part in a fun, creative experience and perform to friends, family and the public in a high-profile venue.
We need to raise £15,000 to make this happen, and we hope our friends and supporters will help us by donating during the Christmas Challenge. All donations made via the Big Give website (up to a total of £7,500) between 12 noon Tuesday 27 November and 12 noon Tuesday 4 December and will be matched pound for pound by the Dulverton Trust. So a £10 donation could turn into £20 at the click of a button!
With sincerest thanks to the Dulverton Trust for providing the Christmas Challenge match-funding.
