6th May, Aberdeen – With the building work almost complete at homelessness charity, Aberdeen Cyrenians’ Summer Street Project it has now purchased a new IT network and two state-of-the-art printers with funding from Communities Scotland’s Futurebuilders programme and assistance from Danwood Scotland.
This equipment worth over £60,000 will enable the Cyrenians to establish a business, Iceberg Arts, within the charity’s new social enterprise Iceberg and to offer the latest facilities to its clients who are interested in the art and design-led training and employment opportunities it can help generate. Iceberg Arts will be located in its own premises within the grounds of the Summer Street Project.
As a social enterprise, Iceberg Arts aims to become income generating by selling its clients’ work in reputable retail outlets in and around Aberdeen. It is hoped that 50% of the business’ running costs will be covered by sales income within the first three years of trading.
Sue Irving, director of business development at Aberdeen Cyrenians said: “This equipment allows us to take a huge step forward in this exciting initiative. I cannot thank David Burkill at Danwood Scotland enough for arranging a deal on the new equipment - he even managed to co-ordinated delivery, installation and staff training as part of the deal.”
The fully serviced equipment consisting of an integrated IT system with desktop, laptop and associated software will work in tandem with a full digital colour printer, scanner and copier as well as a large format printer which works with plastics, canvass and textiles.
Sue continued: “The kind of art, design and textiles you should expect to see marketed under the Iceberg Arts brand in future will include original artworks, printed items such as postcards and calendars as well as screen-printed merchandise like T-shirts. However, we would like to be able to offer those who come to us the opportunity to learn pottery and whilst we have most of the equipment, we still need a kiln and other arts equipment. If anyone can help please contact me on 01224 572877.
“With support such as that which Danwood Scotland is providing Aberdeen Cyrenians, Iceberg Arts is able to run and develop services for people who are homeless or are affected by homelessness.”
©2008 The Danwood Group