Babylon Arts Gallery to Close After 30 Years of Cultural Impact
It is with profound sadness that the Board of Trustees of Babylon Arts announces the permanent closure of the Babylon Arts Gallery at Waterside Ely, effective September 2025. After 30 years of delivering exceptional cultural experiences, the organisation will begin winding down operations.
In September 2024, the trustees informed key stakeholders of the gallery’s ongoing financial challenges. Since then, numerous efforts have been made to secure sustainable funding through negotiations with local authorities and other organisations. Despite clear communication that core funding was urgently needed by the end of February 2025, these efforts have not resulted in the necessary support, leaving the trustees with no choice but to close the gallery and cease operations.
This decision comes amid an increasingly challenging funding landscape for cultural venues, which have been grappling with rising operational costs, the escalating cost of living, and reduced public sector support. The significant hikes in operational costs, from energy bills to staffing and venue maintenance, have compounded these challenges, placing immense pressure on organisations like Babylon Arts to maintain their services. Despite our best efforts to adapt to these economic pressures, it has become impossible to continue without the vital funding that was not forthcoming.
Statement from the Board of Trustees
"It is with heavy hearts that we announce the closure of the Babylon Arts Gallery in Ely, a venue that has provided inspiring art, cultural events, and exhibitions for many years. The positive impact this gallery has had on the community and individuals cannot be overstated.
We are truly grateful for the overwhelming support we’ve received from the local community, and we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all who have worked tirelessly to help secure funding. We are also deeply appreciative of the generous contributions that have enabled us to deliver so many fantastic projects over the years."
In an effort to preserve some of the cultural offerings in Ely, Babylon Arts has worked diligently to ensure the continuation of arts cinema in the area. We are pleased to announce that Ely Community Cinema will be launching in the spring of 2025. We are also pleased to confirm that Market Place has constituted as a Charity and will continue as MarketPlace Arts and wish them well in the future.
During the notice period leading up to the closure, the trustees are committed to keeping the gallery active and vibrant. Several community projects and exhibitions are planned, including Creative Fenland, Ely Arts Festival, and Cambridge Open Studios. We will also continue to deliver two projects to the end of September, ‘Listen to the Voices’ at Wicken Fen and ‘the Library Presents’ for Cambridgeshire County Libraries. Furthermore, we hope to host a special celebration in August 2025 to mark 30 years of Babylon Arts' cultural legacy."