After 14 months spent in prison on a drugs charge, in 2015 Michael Thompson decided to start his social enterprise group RiteTrax along with long-time friend Adam Seymour. With the support of a fruitful crowdfunding campaign and the Prince’s Trust, the group was launched.
Their aims are to provide a supportive, accessible platform for creative culture by hosting events and workshops; to encourage the growth of new artists by establishing a safe event and studio space to experiment and develop; and to encourage the progress of vulnerable groups such as ex-offenders, individuals with drug and alcohol issues, and those with mental health conditions.
Part of this mission was to acquire space to do this, and so came Plot 22. A multi-purpose creative space, Plot 22 is located in the old Castle Market District of Sheffield and has hosted a range of interesting events and endorsed many artists since its procurement. But due to mounting noise complaints amongst other factors, it became clear that the space needed a revamp to suit both the group and the surrounding residents’ needs.
RiteTrax are currently trying to raise money for the refurbishment of Plot 22 through a crowdfunding page, of which has already raised almost £3,000. Their target is £5000, at which point the Forward Enterprise Fund will donate an extra £2,500. The group are asking for this money in order to fund the soundproofing of the venue, to pay for licensing and applications, to provide disabled access, and many other growing costs.
For every £1 you donate, the Forward Enterprise Fund will match it with a further donation of 50p, helping to support the growing creative culture of Sheffield and providing ‘hard to reach’ groups with opportunities to develop through embedded education, volunteering and employment opportunities.
RiteTrax’s crowdfunding page can be found here: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/plot-22-relaunch#start
