Arts and culture have the remarkable ability to transform lives. From improving mental health to developing social skills, their impact reaches far beyond entertainment. This is why we're excited to participate in the Arts for Impact 2025 matched funding campaign through Big Give. Blue Apple Theatre has been selected for Arts for Impact 2026 - a national match-funding week running 17-24 March. Every donation made through Big Give.org will be matched pound for pound.
Between midday on 18 March and midday on 25 March, you have the unique opportunity to make your donation go twice as far. Thanks to The Big Give's matching fund - supported by generous philanthropists, foundations, and companies - every donation you make will be doubled, allowing you to make twice the impact.
““Sam finds it hard to relate to others and does not make friends easily. It has been wonderful to see his confidence grow through acting.””
Why this matters
Adults with learning disabilities are far more likely than non-disabled people to experience loneliness, social isolation or limited social contact. Blue Apple Theatre's years of experience and research shows inclusive arts boost wellbeing and confidence, yet access remains scarce. Without creative engagement, people miss vital opportunities for growth, joy, and connection.
Our project: Centre Stage
We will pilot weekly full day performing arts with three workshops in acting, dance and voice. Activities include improvisation, exploring meaning through clear speech, breath-control, and creative decision-making. Your support funds expert tutors, venues, and resources - creating a joyful, collaborative environment for skill-building and wellbeing.
Performing arts are transformative for people with learning disabilities – you will help them to build confidence, communication and wellbeing.
A pilot designed to last
Centre Stage is a twelve-week pilot - and we have designed it to be more than a one-off. Independent research and evaluation runs alongside the programme from day one, because we want to hear directly from participants: what is working, what they need, what we should do differently. That listening is not a condition of the funding - it is how Blue Apple operates. We do not assume we know best.
If the pilot succeeds - and we believe it will - our aim is to extend it into a permanent daytime offer, and to explore how it might grow across further sites in the region. Every pound raised above our target helps make that timeline shorter.
Programmes like Centre Stage are well established in other parts of the UK. We have been watching them closely. Centre Stage will be the first full-day performing arts foundation offer in Hampshire - opening Blue Apple's world to people who have never had access to it.
And this week, your donation is doubled
Blue Apple Theatre has been selected for Arts for Impact 2026 - a national match-funding week running 17-24 March. Every donation made through Big Give.org will be matched pound for pound.
Your £30 becomes £60. Your £75 becomes £150. At no extra cost to you.
With £3,750 already secured from Arts Council England, we need to raise £7,500 in donations this week to launch Centre Stage and deliver the full pilot. The full budget is available to view on our Big Give page. We are asking you to help us reach that goal.
How you can help
Donate: Visit our Big Give campaign page between 17-24 March and your donation will be doubled.
Share: Spread the word about this campaign on social media using #ArtsForImpact and #DoubleTheDifference.
Fundraise: Consider organising a small fundraiser to amplify your impact.
Remember, your support is needed now more than ever, and every donation - no matter the size - will be doubled during this special week. Together, we can harness the transformative power of arts and culture to create lasting positive change in our communities.
Join us in making double the difference!
