Local art gallery and exhibition space the WHY gallery, a social enterprise set up to raise funds for cancer charity We Hear You (WHY) is set to close on 24th December 2023. The gallery joins several other local businesses in closing its doors, citing the cost of living crisis and a sector-wide impact on the financial viability of small businesses.

WHY CEO Lucy Kitchener said "It's with a very heavy heart that we've taken the decision to close the WHY gallery. Since 2016 we've been fortunate to benefit from the talents and generosity of an amazing community of artists, designers and makers and the shop and gallery on Stony Street was a wonderful 'shop front' for WHY and an example of how communities can support local charities in innovative ways. Many thanks to the dedicated team of volunteers, gallery manager Laura and gallery assistant Dan for all their hard work and of course to all the people who have exhibited and sold with us, shopped at the gallery, or taken part in our workshops and events. Please come down and see us before Christmas Eve and pick up a gift while you support WHY. "

"Of course, the loss of income from the gallery forms part of a bigger and more worrying picture for WHY. The financial landscape for small charities is unprecedentedly challenging, with greater competition for grant funding and the impact of the cost of living crisis on our community fundraising income. If you can afford to, please do make a donation to our Christmas appeal at wehearyou.org.uk/2023-appeal, sign up for a challenge or community event, or consider setting up a regular donation at wehearyou.org.uk/donate. Your kindness is the reason we've been here for almost 30 years and the reason we'll be able to continue."

The WHY gallery started as The Good Gallery in early 2016, in a six-month pilot funded by Santander. Following the pilot's success, the gallery reopened on Stony Street, Frome in August 2016 and has traded ever since, rebranding as The WHY Gallery in 2017. All profits from the gallery are donated to We Hear You (WHY), a small charity dedicated to providing specialist counselling and emotional support for children and adults affected by cancer and life-threatening conditions. The gallery shop and exhibition space remains open at 3, Stony Street, Frome, until 4pm on Sunday 24th December.