A new initiative has launched in York – that aims to help bring local creative projects come to life.
The Rogue Creators’ Fund is a new grassroots funding model that aims to support community-based art from music to theatre, poetry to film, and for creators who are often left out of traditional funding models.
The project will help creative projects based in York and Leeds and operates on a simple idea – if enough people just £1 a month, it could create a collective pot of funding.
The fund is the brainchild of York-based musical director, composer, and community music facilitator, Joe Allen. Joe is passionate about creating opportunities for people of all backgrounds to get involved in music and performance.
YorkMix caught up with Joe to find out more about the new initiative.
The inspiration for Rogue Creators’ Fund came one late night in February. “I was feeling burnt out as a freelance artist, constantly applying for jobs and funding and getting knocked back,” Joe explained.
“I remembered the DIY gigs and drag nights I used to put on in Leeds, scraping money together and splitting the door take, just trying to make things happen.”
With past experience of successful crowdfunding, it gave Joe an idea that is everyone he was connected to on social media donated £1 every month, there would be over £1,000 to support local arts projects with.
“That’s how this began.”
The way the fund works is simple – anyone can sign up to give £1 (or more) a month via the fund’s Open Collective page, the money then goes into a transparent pot with regular updates on where the money’s going.
“The goal is to keep it open, honest, and shaped by the community,” Joe said. He also said that behind-the-scenes insights and showcases of funded work are to come too.
Artists, creatives, and community projects will then be able to apply for small grants in the next couple of months.
“We’re especially keen to support people who might not feel traditional funding is for them.”
Though Joe is the driving force behind the project, he’s “lucky to be supported by a growing group of brilliant partners and collaborators” including Patch York, York Creatives, The Attic in Leeds, and designer Brydon Adams.
Further support and interest has also come from a number of organisations such as Come Play With Me, West Yorkshire Music Network, Joseph Rowntree Foundation, Music Leeds, York Together, and the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub.
“It’s less about a fixed central team and more about building a flexible, supportive community around the idea,” said Joe. “I’m incredibly grateful for everyone who’s backed the vision so far.”
The launch party for the fund took place on Tuesday 15 April at Patch York. As well as sharing the story behind the fund and how it will operate, it was also an opportunity to celebrate local talent.
It included a short film screening by James McGlade, performance poetry from Henry Raby and a photography exhibit by Shahzaib from Bodo Productions.
Joe said that the reaction so far has been “amazing.”
“I’ve had so many messages from people saying ‘this is exactly what we need right now’,” he said. “There’s a hunger for creative support that’s flexible, accessible, and not tied up in loads of red tape.
“The response from York creatives especially has been warm and energising – people have offered their skills, their spaces, and their support. It feels like the start of something really powerful.
“If you’ve ever wanted to support the arts but felt like you couldn’t make a difference – this is your chance.
“The Rogue Creators’ Fund is an invitation to believe in the power of community and to support local creativity and culture together.”
To find out more about the Rogue Creators’ Fund visit their webpage and Instagram page. To ‘join the mutiny’ and start donating, head to the fund’s Open Collective page.