The charity supporting Stirling’s cherished Smith Art Gallery and Museum has issued “a cry from the heart” following two years of uncertainty caused by the pandemic.
The Friends of the Smith, an independent group run by volunteers, has pointed to “a drastic” fall in income, describing the situation as “dire”.
They say a “worrying” number of members have been lost and are appealing for volunteers to help on a regular basis to carry out duties, fundraise and organise events.
They say vital “new ideas and solid support” from volunteers are required if the Friends are to reach its 50th anniversary next year.
Chairperson Moira Lawson stated in a letter to existing Friends of the Smith this month: “The last two years have taken a terrible toll on our organisation with their lockdowns and uncertainties.
“We’ve had nothing to offer you in the way of entertainment or fundraising. We have lost a worrying number of members and in the past year have gained only two.”
Mrs Lawson thanked members of the Smith for remaining faithful, but added: “Now we look to you to help retrieve what is a dire situation.”
She pointed out that Smith director Caroline Mathers views the Friends of the Smith as an asset, and is predicting that the museum “will soon return to a normal way of working with visitor numbers which would make our lectures and funding activities viable”.
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Mrs Lawson added: “If we wish to restart our highly successful lecture series, we must have at least two members to find speakers, organise publicity and liaise with the museum for the use of the theatre and equipment. Yes, this is a lot of work and will receive any necessary support from the committee, but a dedicated team is most definitely required.
“The same goes for fundraising and organising events. We need new blood to come up with fresh ideas and to put tried and tested ones in motion. We also desperately need new members. Our basic income from membership fees no longer covers admin costs like insurance and postage.
“To meet this need a membership drive is essential.”
She ended the appeal by stating: “This is a cry from the heart. No, a cry from eight hearts [of the Friends of the Smith committee].
“If the Friends of the Smith is to reach its golden jubilee in 2023 your help is vital.”
The Smith reopened following lockdown on Thursday, August 20, 2020, with reduced opening hours of Thursday to Sunday, 11am-4pm.
The April 2022 newsletter points to a breakdown in spending ‘on the Smith so far for this financial year’.
The sum of £6377 includes half the gardener’s monthly salary and half the cost of a lawnmower and strimmer as well as a stainless steel tree for the garden and an annual grant of £1500 to mount an exhibition.
