A CALL for volunteers has been issued as plans to give Bromsgrove’s Artrix a ‘new lease of life’ start to be drawn up.
The Artrix Holding Trust has commissioned specialist consultants FEI to produce a business plan which will identify the level of funding and other resources needed to bring the arts centre and theatre back on a sustainable footing.
This is the latest work towards restoring the venue which shut in 2020 at the start of the Covid pandemic.
Chair of the Artrix Holding Trust, Peter Whittaker, said: “The trustees have now commissioned a business plan which will hopefully tell us what could be achievable out of Artrix and how much that would cost.
“That will show us the true roadmap to what we as trustees, along with so many people, want for Artrix.
“We know that any operation will need some level of subsidy and support.
“This plan will tell us how much and what that would look like, and kickstart some more engagement with the community.”
FEI, which is an Arts Council England business and financial advisor, will give the plans to the trust in April.
Nick Dodds, FEI managing director, said: “Following on from an initial options appraisal where FEI and the trust engaged with a wide range of local, regional, and national stakeholders, we have now been commissioned to produce a business plan.
“That will identify the funding gap to be filled alongside the other requirements of bringing a new arts and culture offer to Artrix.”
Call for volunteers – how can you help?
The trust has also called for anyone who might want to volunteer their services to Artrix to get in touch.
Mr Whittaker added: “Everyone will have seen the outpourings of support for Artrix – that support is going to be vital because this is not big business.
“We’ve got this great building but ultimately we’re community trustees.
“To that aim we’re calling out to anyone who might want to volunteer their services to Artrix. Whether you want to give a couple of hours here and there, or get more heavily involved, we want to hear from you and start building a list of community-minded people who wish to be involved.
“Perhaps you have even retired from the arts world but still want to contribute to a sustainable local community arts project. We’d love to hear from you.”
Anyone wanting to volunteer their services should email [email protected] with their contact details, along with an indication of what they would be willing to do and how often.
