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| FOR THEYEARENDED31/08/2025 |
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| TRUSTEES' REPORT |
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| The trustees present their report and accounts for theyearended31/08/2025 |
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| The accounts are prepared to meet the requirements for a directors' report and accounts for Companies Act purposes. |
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| Company information set out on page 1 forms part of this report. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the charity's trust deed, the Companies Act 2006, the Charities Act 2011 and the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland FRS 102 (effective 1 January 2019). |
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| COMPANY INFORMATION |
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| Reference and administrative details are provided on page 1. |
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| PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES |
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| The principal activity of the charity in theyearunder review was tosupport practising artists, designers and crafts people by providing affordable studio space and other facilities. |
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| ORGANISATION OF THE CHARITY |
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| The charity has a board of trustees. who are also the management committee, who plan to meet quarterly to administer the charity. There is a gallery sub-committee that organises, produces and curates fundraising exhibitions. In setting policies the trustees have complied with their duty in section 4 of the Charities Act 2006 to have due regard to public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission. |
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| The trustees were all licensees in the property managed by the charity at the year end. |
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| The trustees are appointed annually at the annual general meeting. The trustees have access to induction and training to enable them to effectively carry out their duties. |
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| The trustees have an active equal opportunities policy and a health and safety policy. The charity also has produced a complaints and eviction procedure and policy. |
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| TRUSTEES |
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| The names of the present trustees and of all who held office during the year are shown on page 1. In accordance with the Articles of Association one third of the Board retire by rotation each year and at the forthcoming annual general meeting Trustees will retire by rotation and, being eligible, will offer themselves for re-election. |
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| TRUSTEES RESPONSIBILITIES IN RELATION TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
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| The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations. |
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| Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the trustees have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and Applicable Law). Under company law the trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the net incoming or outgoing resources of the charity for that period. In preparing the financial statements the trustees are required to: |
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| - Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; |
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| - Observe the methods and principles of the charities SORP; |
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| FOR THEYEARENDED31/08/2025 |
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| TRUSTEES' REPORT |
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| - Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; |
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| - Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business. |
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| The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. |
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| RISK MANAGEMENT |
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| The charity has occupied the current premises since the year ended 31 August 2009. The accommodation is on a renewed ten year lease with a new lease period commencing on 1 October 2017 to 30 September 2027, with a rent review on 1 October 2025. Strict policies are applied to ensure prompt payment by artists and the Charity manages its resources effectively to meet its charitable objectives. |
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| The trustees confirm that the day to day controls are in place to minimise other financial and operational risk faced by the charity. |
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| OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES |
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| The objectives for which the charity is established are: |
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| To advance public education through the promotion of and appreciation of excellence in the arts with particular reference to the areas of fine art, design and craft. |
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| In furtherance of its objects the charity will provide studio space to practising artists who will in turn further the aims and objectives of the charity. |
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| What we do: |
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| Arena supports practising artists, designers and crafts people by providing affordable studio space and other essential facilities which help them to produce and exhibit work of the highest quality. We also serve the general public by organising exhibitions of art, educational workshops and school and college visits, with a programme of gallery events which includes singular events in collaboration with other Liverpool creative enterprises and exhibitions aimed at showcasing emerging artists and offering a platform for developing new work and reaching new audiences. |
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| STRUCTURE GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT |
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| - Legal Status |
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| Arena Art and Design Association is a company limited by guarantee with charitable status. It does not have a share capital. It was incorporated as a company in England and Wales on 14 August 1996 and registered as a Charity in England and Wales on 30 August 1996. |
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| - Volunteers |
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| Arena's members give their time as volunteers to support the maintenance of the studios and Arena's programme of events. The Arena Directors, who also serve as trustees also give their time and support on a voluntary basis. |
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| FOR THEYEARENDED31/08/2025 |
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| TRUSTEES' REPORT |
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| - Achievements and Performance |
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| Membership at Arena Studios has remained stable throughout the year, with an average net change of one member per month. When a member leaves, their space is usually filled quickly, with only brief vacancy periods. A full studio space was converted into two desk spaces, which improved occupancy, particularly as the original full space had been less desirable due to the need to pass through it to reach another area. |
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| Planning for the 40th anniversary began with a meeting in a cafe in December 2024. Advertising for the anniversary started in August 2025, and planning continued throughout the year. Members created self portraits which were submitted for a commemorative booklet. Stephanie compiled the booklet. Arena held critique sessions for members in January and again in March. Arena artists also exhibited at Cass Art during a takeover event. |
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| In March 2025 the Directors reviewed Arena's finances and Josie gave notice of reducing the time she could spend on work for Arena. It was agreed that a Studio Coordinator role would be created to encompass most of the work Josie does and she would instead manage that person. This would be a studio member who would receive a free/reduced rent studio space as recompense for the role. It was advertised to members and Angela Smith took up the position. |
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| Due to this and as there had been some expenditure increases including an unexpectedly large end of year service charge bill it was decided to increase members' studio rent but in smaller increments which will mean Arena subsidises costs somewhat for a period. A notice period was given to members from March so the increase started July 2025. |
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| Members continued to be active across a wide range of artistic and community projects. Examples include but are not limited to the following, Cintia Nguyen delivered children's art sessions at Cygnet Art School, ran a festive pop-up card workshop at Turnpike Gallery, assisted at a children's art camp in Hungary, and volunteered with Parkhaven Trust. Sarah Leader created mural designs for Smithdown in Bloom, held a solo fundraising exhibition at Elevator Studios and curated The Inquiry Room for the Independent Biennial. Steph Trujillo presented the duo exhibition Ni de Aqui, Ni de Alla at the Bridewell, received Independent Biennial funding for Living Lines, undertook preparation work for the Living Archive: 40th Arena Studios Anniversary exhibition, and continued to manage Arena's social media on a voluntary basis. |
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| Members selected for the Liverpool Art Fair included Ruth Piper, Angela Smith, Lauren Vaccarazzi, and Bob Whitaker. Josie Jenkins co-ran Liverpool Artists' Network, curated Sell Out at Wellington Yard, and presented both a solo exhibition at Editions and a joint exhibition with Daniel Halsall at Bridewell Studios. Kelly Irvine exhibited work in the Sound and Vision group show at Elevate Studios, Kate Darley taught art at Rotunda, volunteered on a farm delivering art sessions, produced crafts for Christmas fairs, and previously supported domestic-violence survivors through macrame workshops. Gay Caul, Daniel Halsall and Josie Jenkins took part in a Shuffle initiative, exhibiting a painting in the Liverpool Tobacco Warehouse show apartments. |
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| FINANCIAL REVIEW |
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| The Statement of Financial Activities details Income and Expenditure. |
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| In the year ended 31 August 2025, total incoming resources were £53,215 (2024 £53,189). Total resources expended were £53,199 (2024 £49,008). The net incoming resources for the year were £16 (2024 net incoming £4,181) being net incoming resources on the unrestricted funds of £17 and net outgoing resources on the restricted funds of £1. |
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| The balance on unrestricted general funds at 31 August 2025 was £33,659 (2024 was £33,642). The balance on restricted funds at 31 August 2025 was £1 (2024 £2) being invested in fixed assets. Total funds on the balance sheet at 31 August 2025 were £33,660 (2024 £33,644). |
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| FOR THEYEARENDED31/08/2025 |
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| TRUSTEES' REPORT |
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| RESERVES POLICY |
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| It has been the policy of the trustees to keep some of the income in a reserve for a contingency. The required level of reserves will continually be kept under review by the trustees. The unrestricted funds were in surplus by £33,659 at 31 August 2025. Free reserves, that is those funds not tied up in designated funds or fixed assets, were £33,647 at 31 August 2025. The trustees are working to develop activities to generate sufficient free reserves to cover 3 to 6 months' costs. |
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| PLAN FOR THE FUTURE |
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| Arena looks to continue the support of practising artists within its studios and the development of its exhibition and community engagement initiatives within the flourishing Baltic Area. As Arena moves into the coming financial year, it will evaluate the current organisation management structure and delivery plans and consider all possible options, within budgetary constraints, to maximise the organisation's potential. |
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| INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS |
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| The Independent Examiner Julie Guinan has indicated her willingness to remain in office and a resolution will be proposed for her re-appointment at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. |
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| The report was prepared in accordance with the special provisions within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006. |
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| This report was approved by the Board of Trustees on14/05/2026 |
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| Gerard McGregor |
| Trustee |
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| INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S STATEMENT |
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| FOR THEYEARENDED31/08/2025 |
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| INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OFARENA ART AND DESIGN ASSOCIATION |
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| I report on the accounts of the company for theyearended31/08/2025. |
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| RESPONSIBILITIES AND BASIS OF REPORT |
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| As the charity's trustees of the Company (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law), you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (the 2006 Act). |
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| Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited for this year under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). In carrying out my examination, I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act. |
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| BASIS OF INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS STATEMENT |
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| I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that: |
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| - accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; or |
| - the accounts do not accord with such records; or |
| - the accounts do not comply with relevant accounting requirements under section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or |
| - the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS102). |
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| I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. |
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| ...................................................Independent Examiner Julie Guinan FCCA |
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| Date:14/05/2026 |
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| Harvey Guinan LLP |
| Chartered Certified Accountants |
| Unit 17 Mersey House |
| Matchworks Estate, 140 Speke Road |
| Liverpool |
| Merseyside |
| L19 2PH |
| 0151 709 7797 |
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| Statement of Financial Activities |
| for the year ended31/08/2025 |
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| | | | | | | | 2025 | | 2024 |
| | | | Unrestricted funds | | Restricted funds | | Total | | Total |
| | | | £ | | £ | | £ | | £ |
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| Income | | | | | | | | | | |
| Income from generated funds | | | | | | | | | | |
| Income from Investments | | | | 522 | | - | | 522 | | 485 |
| Income from charitable activities | | | | 52,693 | | - | | 52,693 | | 52,704 |
| Total Income | | | | 53,215 | | - | | 53,215 | | 53,189 |
| Expenses | | | | | | | | | | |
| Costs of generating funds | | | | | | | | | | |
| Expenditure on Charitable activities | | | | 53,198 | | 1 | | 53,199 | | 49,008 |
| Total Expenses | | | | 53,198 | | 1 | | 53,199 | | 49,008 |
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| Net Income | | | | 17 | | (1) | | 16 | | 4,181 |
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| Net movement in funds: | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net income for the year | | | | 17 | | (1) | | 16 | | 4,181 |
| Total funds brought forward | | | | 33,642 | | 2 | | 33,644 | | 29,463 |
| Net funds carried forward | | | | 33,659 | | 1 | | 33,660 | | 33,644 |
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| This statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities |
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| BALANCE SHEET AT 31/08/2025 |
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| | Notes | | | | £ | | | | £ |
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| FIXED ASSETS | | | | | | | | | | |
| Tangible assets | | 4 | | | | 13 | | | | 16 |
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| CURRENT ASSETS | | | | | | | | | | |
| Debtors (amounts falling due within one year) | | 5 | | 1,536 | | | | 7 | | |
| Cash at bank and in hand | | | | 35,119 | | | | 38,366 | | |
| | | | 36,655 | | | | 38,373 | | |
| CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year | | 6 | | 3,008 | | | | 4,745 | | |
| NET CURRENT ASSETS | | | | | | 33,647 | | | | 33,628 |
| TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES | | | | | | 33,660 | | | | 33,644 |
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| RESERVES | | | | | | | | | | |
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| Unrestricted funds | | 8 | | | | | | | | |
| General fund | | | | | | 33,659 | | | | 33,642 |
| Restricted funds | | 9 | | | | 1 | | | | 2 |
| | | | | | 33,660 | | | | 33,644 |
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| For the year ending 31/08/2025 the company was entitled to exemption under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. |
| The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006. |
| The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts. |
| These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime. |
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| Approved by the board of trustees on 14/05/2026 and signed on their behalf by | | | | | | | | | | |
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| ............................. | | | | | | | | | | |
| Gerard McGregor | | | | | | | | | | |
| Trustee | | | | | | | | | | |
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