WIREDGOV

A six-figure funding boost is set to secure a bright future for one of the Midlands’ most creative community hubs.

Arts Council England is investing £4.2million in Warwick Arts Centre’s 20:20 capital project – a scheme which aims to bring together artists and audiences at the heart of the cultural life of the West Midlands.

The £4.2million National Lottery investment through the Arts Council's capital programmewill see the demolition of the existing cinema and Mead Gallery and create a new building to house three new digital auditoria. It will also create a large ground floor gallery to exhibit contemporary art, sculpture and photography.

By October 2020, Warwick Arts Centre – dubbed ‘the jewel in the crown’ of the university - will be a redeveloped cultural and creative centre for the region, leading the way with the organisation’s distinctive artistic and cultural programme. It is also set to be a key regional venue that will be at the very forefront of Coventry’s year as City of Culture 2021.

Peter Knott, Area Director, Arts Council England, said: “We’re delighted to be investing in Warwick Arts Centre, particularly at this time as Coventry gears up to host UK City of Culture in 2021. The application was very strong and the vision for the future is really exciting. 

“Warwick Arts Centre has a fantastic reputation and its future promises more great things. Sitting alongside a fantastic, repurposed building will be a programme that attracts even more local, national and international visitors.”

The funding will help create a new building, with a spacious new-look foyer and café bar, designed to showcase the very best in contemporary art and entertainment.

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