A county arts centre is at risk of closure due to spiralling costs.

New Brewery Arts, Cirencester's cultural hub, has today (September 15) issued a stark warning that it may be forced to close its doors within the next six months due to ongoing cost-of-living pressures and long-term decline in arts funding.

Each year, New Brewery Arts welcomes over 100,000 visitors and was recently voted one of the top five cultural organisations in the country. Yet despite a profitable shop, café, thriving artist studios and a hugely popular programme of workshops and courses, the charity is now running at a deficit.

Beth Alden, CEO of New Brewery Arts, said: "We can so nearly make it work, with the business able to cover 95% of overheads. Yet, we have seen some radical changes to our financial model over the last three years, with the cost of running a large historic building going through the roof and arts funding going through the floor across the sector.

"We are gearing up our plans to celebrate our 50th birthday in 2028 and it should be a time to celebrate the joy we know we bring to our town and community, but the sad truth is, we might not make it. We are calling on the people of Cirencester to help 'craft our way out of a crisis'."

From the start of 2026, New Brewery Arts will be increasing capacity on all courses and workshops - from pottery and stone carving to digital photography and social media skills.

Beth continued: "If 30 people or more book a workshop each month (that's one person a day), we would move into the black. It is time for everyone who always wanted to learn a new craft or skill to just book!

"We are asking our community to stand with us so we can continue to be the place where creativity happens in Cirencester. This really is a case of use us or lose us."

The charity is urging the public to get involved and support in practical ways, including:

• Book a workshop today — try the skill you have always wanted to learn and bring a friend

• Organise a craft-based away day for your workplace — baubles and wreaths included

• Gift a workshop or course with New Brewery Arts gift vouchers. Spring courses go live on October 27

• Shop at JOY, the festive pop-up craft exhibition from October 25

• Donate or join as a supporter or patron

• Subscribe to the mailing list to follow the 50th birthday plans

Beth concluded: "It's time to support what you love and help us shape the next 50 years of creativity. The tools are in your hands — let's craft our way out of this crisis, together. Please come and join us on a workshop or book a private workshop staff party in time for this Christmas."