“After Three Decades, Babylon Art Gallery in Ely to Permanently Close Its Doors”
After operating for thirty years, the Babylon Art Gallery in Ely, Cambridgeshire is set to close its doors for good later this year, announced the board of trustees. The beloved art gallery will begin the process of winding down its operations leading to the final closure scheduled for September. The decision to shut down comes as a result of financial challenges that the gallery has been facing, with multiple attempts to secure funding unfortunately falling short.
In a statement posted on their website, the art gallery expressed gratitude for the generous contributions that have supported their various projects throughout the years. Despite efforts to keep the gallery afloat, the board of trustees revealed that ongoing financial struggles had reached a critical point. Key stakeholders were informed in September 2024 about the urgent need for core funding, with subsequent negotiations with local authorities and organizations failing to secure sustainable support by the required deadline of February 2025.
With a heavy heart, the trustees made the difficult decision to close the gallery and cease its operations. In an effort to maintain cultural offerings in the community, the board worked to ensure the continuation of arts cinema in Ely. A silver lining emerged with the announcement of the upcoming launch of Ely Community Cinema in the spring of 2025 to fill the void left by the art gallery’s closure. Additionally, Market Place has transitioned into a charitable organization, MarketPlace Arts, signaling a new chapter for arts and culture in the area.
Peter Dawe, involved with the cinema, expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support received from volunteers in response to the call for assistance. The outpouring of support not only in numbers but in quality has been heartening, highlighting the community’s dedication to preserving cultural institutions. Dawe noted that art charities across the country have encountered similar challenges in sustaining their operations, underscoring the broader struggles faced by the arts sector.
Despite the closure of the Babylon Art Gallery, the trustees shared that several projects and exhibitions were in the pipeline, including Creative Fenland and Ely Arts Festival, underscoring the lasting impact of the gallery’s legacy in the local arts scene. For the latest updates on Cambridgeshire news, listeners can tune in to BBC Sounds or follow updates on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and X.
The impending closure of the Babylon Art Gallery marks the end of an era for the longstanding institution, but the resilience and community support demonstrated throughout its tenure serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of art and culture in Ely.
