Odd Arts Annual Report 2023-2024

“This year has felt overwhelming for many, with world conflict & injustice impacting the way people experience the everyday. Odd Arts has tried to provide spaces that challenge, hold safety, and open up discussions that otherwise feel shut down.

We have also worked in more prisons than ever, and are proud to have played a role in offering people who are locked up in increasingly challenging prison environments – with the space to connect, create, and hopefully re-build self-worth. Incredibly, in Jan 2024 we reached our 20th year!

Strategically we have focussed a lot of energy on building organisational resilience & the ‘behind the scenes’ part of Odd Arts, and following staff and trustee engagement in the gaps and opportunities for the company, we subsequently invested in a new Head of Ops; Monitoring & Delivery Coordinator; and Volunteer & Work Experience Coordinator.

Looking ahead we are excited to move into our new home – Aquarius Community Centre – after 4 incredibly happy and supported years at Moss Side Powerhouse. I would like to take
time to thank our compassionate & talented staff team, dedicated trustees, generous volunteers, and trusting & brave beneficiaries. Additionally, we received incredible support from Shoosmiths, who chose us as their Charity of the Year.

I hope you enjoy reading this snapshot of our impact from April 2023 – March 2024.”

Rebecca Friel MBE, CEO Odd Arts