Reading performing arts foundation college urgent plea to avoid closure

Performing arts foundation college READ, in St Bartholomew's Road, Reading, finds itself facing a funding crisis and has launched the #SaveREADCollege appeal to fight closure.

In a statement issued by its directors this week, it said: "We have seen businesses and colleges close around us due to the rise in the cost of living and soaring energy prices, the nation is struggling and we now find ourselves in an unsustainable financial position. This has arisen due to a range of factors including the increasing costs of running our beautiful building, the financial recovery from Covid-19, and the loss of our ability to host international students.

"The college is in a critical position and it is with a very heavy heart that we have to confirm that it is now apparent that if vital funds are not raised by the end of this term READ college faces closure.

"We are not giving up, we are launching #SaveREADCollege campaign. As a community we are putting all our energy, experience, resources and passion into raising the funds we need to secure the future of the college as well as supporting our students both practically and emotionally."

The college, which offers one- and two-year foundation and sixth form vocational courses in and acting musical theatre has secured the support of Craig Revel Horwood, Cynthia Erivo, Susan Stroman, Gill Green and Sophia Nomvete.

"We are reaching out to our alumni and all our professional contacts past and present to spread the word far and wide. We are proud of the community we have built here at READ over the past 15 years and are hopeful that together we can save the future of the college and fulfil our promise of supporting our young people through their training."

They are urging people to share their social media campaign to get their message out far and wide.

"Although we are a small community here in the building, our legacy spans over 15 years, we have a strong reputation of which we are all proud. By spreading the word, we can raise the vital funds to secure the future of the college."

Supporters are asked to consider donating at https://www.readcollege.org/donate

"We remain hopeful that together we can unite to #SaveREADCollege and we will evolve and change into a sustainable and successful community, continuing to support future emerging, talented young artists."