ACT: Arts and Community in Thornbury

A Project to Build a New Performance and Arts Venue in Thornbury

Arts and Community in Thornbury has been set up as an independent (not for profit) organisation solely with the purpose of developing and building a new 'state of the art' performance venue in Thornbury.

It will serve the town and local area, bridging the arts facilities vacuum between Bristol, Cheltenham and Bath.

Click here to download the latest ACT newsletter (July 2008, 900k PDF)

Why do we want a new performance venue?

Thornbury, with its surrounding area, has a wealth of artistic talent that deserves a fine centre for performances and exhibitions. Thornbury has many groups in all branches of the arts, which perform to a high standard and attract enthusiastic support. Several of the groups have received awards for their performances.

On the professional side, Thornbury Arts Festival has produced a week-long celebration of the arts for over 35 years. Each year there are several performances which are sold out. There would be room for more professional groups and artistes to entertain local people throughout the year.

What we think is lacking is a contemporary venue for better display of local talent as well as performances by visiting professionals. Our vision is centred on a performance hall or theatre. It would be an energetic and exciting venue for all the community. At the heart would be the cafe and bar, available to local people at all times of the day.

Image by Pat Collins

What progress has been made so far?

At a public meeting in the Armstrong Hall in November 2005, an enthusiastic audience of almost 200 people voted overwhelmingly to support ACT's proposal to raise funds to build a new performance venue in Thornbury. In principle Thornbury Town Council supports the aspirations of ACT to develop a performance venue in the town.

South Gloucestershire Council has earmarked part of the former cattle market site for a community building. We have expressed our interest in this piece of land and South Gloucestershire Council officers have introduced us to another group, The Brandon Trust, with a similar interest in that site. We are in negotiation with them at the moment, with a view to considering a partnership to share the building and its costs. The image on this page is Pat Collins' design for the building.

In February 2006 a volunteer steering group was established. Also a small group of volunteer consultants has been formed to share their expertise in developing this project. The steering group has been responsible for converting the organisation to a Limited Company and setting up financial systems, commencing with the banking of a starting fund of £4,000 from the profits of The Thornbury Plays (2000). It is currently working on an application to obtain Charitable status. Our task is enormous and the cost will be considerable.

ACT Principles

• The venue will be for all the community
• We have a special concern for the needs of young people and adults with special needs
• In our planning we will respect the various interests, concerns and wishes of different individuals and groups
• We will develop partnerships with statutory and voluntary organisations
• We intend for this project to encourage the spirit of imagination and creativity throughout the area

Anticipated facilities in the new performance venue

• 500 seat auditorium
• flexible and electronic raked seating
• large stage with wing space (available for other uses too)
• extra staging available
• flexible lighting and sound boxes with recording facilities
• scenery dock (available for other uses too, e.g. pottery, modelling and arts and crafts for all ages and kinds)
• flying tower
• security cage and props lock-up
• cinema screen and projection facilities
• sufficient dressing rooms (with toilets, showers, basins and lit mirrors)
• green room
• facilities for hanging costumes, laundering and ironing
• intercom system
• large access doors and drive-in space for vans
• studio space for small events (with similar facilities including barre and mirrors for dance classes)
• recording studio
• exhibitions space
• rehearsal and meeting rooms
• foyer space
• disabled access throughout the building
• bar, cafe and kitchen
• box office
• office space and staff facilities
• cloakroom
• public toilets
• storage spaces (numerous!)
• adequate car parking

How can you get involved?

• Become a FACT (Friend of ACT)
• Become a volunteer helper
• Join a working group
• Offer particular expertise
• Become a donor
• Support fund-raising events
• Give us your ideas and suggestions - we'd love to hear from you.

If you would like to be included on the ACT mailing list, please send your details to Philip Darley, using the details below.

Contacts

Website: www.ACTthornbury.org.uk

Chairman: Philip Darley
50 High Street, Thornbury, BS35 2AN
Tel: 01454 416291
Email:

Company Secretary: Lyn Bedford
35 Sibland Road, Thornbury, BS35 2EP
Tel: 01454 884154
Email:

Finance Director: Dylan Griffiths
Applestone Barn, Chapel Road, Oldbury-on-Severn, BS35 1PL
Tel: 01454 281611
Email:

• Performing arts
• Music
• Film