Deptford music venue Matchstick Piehouse launches crowdfund to fight closure

Matchstick Piehouse is an a community orientated venue and arts space, which has been operating in Deptford since 2018. The space was set up, built and originally staffed by volunteers, but has since been able to employ artists, musicians, and other South Londoners; priding themselves on a diverse portfolio of events, which range from queer cabarets and anarchist performance art nights to folk jam sessions, all the while prioritising representation for historically under-represented groups

In a statement posted on their Crowdfund page, they write: "We’re really sad to say that the future of our business is now under threat. We've had covid-related rent arrears for a long time due to a mixture of being unable to trade during lockdown, and mixed trading in the years after. We haven't managed to solve it. Our landlord is threatening to essentially end the lease unless we pay the full sum by the end of the week."

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"This means, for the first time in our history, we are having to turn to the public to ask for donations," their statement continues. "We understand that in the midst of the cost of living crisis, especially at a time that many people are donating to various political campaigns, asking for money is difficult. We wouldn’t be doing this unless we absolutely had to. We are trying to raise 35,000 pounds to guarantee our future. With your support, we will be able to pay off the rent areas and secure the future of the venue."

The venue adds that they have had bailiffs called to the property, and their landlord had threatened to terminate their license unless they paid £36,000 by Wednesday (29th November). They have since been able to negotiate this, and are asking for help to try and source the full amount required of them.

Music Venue Trust has been providing support and advice throughout this ordeal, and they venue adds that they "couldn't have gotten through this week without them".