Local authorities

Two dance organisations in Devon and Plymouth are shutting down due to a lack of funding.

Dance in Devon is pausing operations for six months as its board considers future options, whilst Plymouth Dance will close at the end of July.

Despite successful funding applications and commissions, the organisations say they are hamstrung by their inability to cover staffing and other costs. 

Online consultations to discuss a new model of support for dance in the South West are scheduled for April 5 and 6.

“We want to ensure that the people of Devon and Plymouth can participate in dance activities for their own creativity and wellbeing, and that dance professionals can continue to thrive in the region,” the organisations said.

Ten venues in Newcastle and Gateshead have launched a campaign to encourage the public's return this spring.

Some local venues, including the Tyne & Wear Museums' Newcastle sites, have lost more than half their pre-pandemic visitors: "By joining forces in this way, we want to highlight the strength of the cultural sector in Newcastle and Gateshead, and what it offers," Director Keith Merrin said.

'Make Your Moment', a joint advertising campaign with Newcastle and Gateshead Councils, will appear on the metro and bus shelters, and it is hoped a series of exhibitions and events will kickstart the sector's recovery..

The partnership is emphasising the ability to enjoy culture safely.

“Now that these venues have reopened and restrictions have been lifted, and with the necessary safety measures in place, we can all once again make the most of our city’s rich history, take in amazing performances and exhibitions, and experience more of what Newcastle and the wider region has to offer," Newcastle Councillor John-Paul Stephenson said.

“We can still take precautions... but we can do this while supporting our brilliant cultural sector.”
 

Enfield's Initimate Theatre is due for demolition, a decision by the local council that the Theatres Trust calls "hugely disappointing".

Planning permission was granted last week, though the theatre has been on the trust's risk register since 2019 because the church that owns it wants to turn it into a parish hall and accommodation.

While amended plans for a replacement building will ensure some theatre provision, the trust says that, "in reality, the proposals are not practically workable for live performance".

"The stage is inadequate in both height and floor space, audience sightlines would be poor, there is no supporting infrastructure such as sound and lighting, there are no obvious dressing rooms or storage facilities and the capacity is vastly reduced compared to current levels."

The redevelopment will also leave the north London borough without a community theatre space, "for which there is widespread local support and a clear demand," the trust adds.

Kirklees Council is being urged to put a proposed second option for its town centre cultural development out for public consultation.

Think Tank Same Skies recently argued that a temporary scheme that offered free rents of empty shops to local arts groups should be extended. The piazza is to be demolished as part of the £210m 'cultural heart' plan.

It says the council should put its idea to the public: "Why not explore both options side by side?"

Architects have just released mock-ups of the council's plans for the area, which include a 2,200 seat concert hall.

A £1.7m museum dedicated to Kent’s mining history will open its doors in April.

The free-to-enter facility is the first of its kind in the county and forms part of Betteshanger County Park’s new £6m visitor centre.

Both projects faced setbacks throughout the pandemic after their previous owners went into administration in 2019.

Support from park owners Quinn Estates, the Kent Mining Heritage Foundation (KMHF), and The National Lottery Heritage Fund has seen the projects to completion.

KHMF Chair Stuart Elgar said the museum is for future generations: “The story of the 5,000 or so migrating miners is unique in the British coalfields and it is important that it is kept alive.”

A database of arts professionals local to Warrington is being compiled by the borough council.

The creative practitioner database aims to become a resource for local creatives to find commissions and longer-term work.

It will feature work opportunities in and outside the town, upcoming cultural and networking events, and details of funding or support channels, alongside opportunities to take part in discussions about future culture plans.

Cabinet Member for Culture Maureen McLaughlin said it is vital the council supports local arts and culture professionals.

“Warrington’s arts and culture community will be much stronger, now and in the future, if we work together.”

Bristol's RWA art gallery is crowdfunding the final £100,000 of its redevelopment project.

The gallery is slated to reopen in May following a £4.1m refurbishment that it says is "the most significant on a Grade II listed building in over a century".

Works included repairs, accessiblity improvements and the development of free to access galleries across three floors as well as an outdoor events space for sculpture and public arts.

The gallery says it needs half of its crowdfunding target in public donations, as a family trust is willing to match donations of up to £50,000.

RWA Director Alison Bevan says the gallery will be able to welcome 40% more visitors annually once it reopens.

"It will also enable us to extend our community and wellbeing programmes, so that more people from under-represented communities across Bristol have the opportunity to engage in art and creativity."

Bristol City Council is considering a £436,000 cut to funding for its museums and archives.

The 10% reduction is one proposal to bridge a £19.5m budget gap. 

The council, which supports seven free-to-enter museums across the city, met on Tuesday (February 15) to discuss its budget for the next 12 months.

Chair of The Friends of Bristol Museums Sue Thurlow said the cut would cause damage for years to come, affecting museums' ability to put on large and successful exhibitions.

"The museums and galleries are vital to Bristol's post-pandemic recovery, bringing people back into the city and attracting high-spending visitors to Bristol."