ARTRIX is set to remain open when The Core leaves in March after Bromsgrove Community Arts (BCA) was handed a short-term licence to operate the arts venue.
BCA approached The Artrix Holding Trust with a proposal to run it for nine months from April after the Solihull theatre announced it would not be extending its residence when its licence comes to an end in March 2024.
The Solihull theatre moved some of its shows to Artrix when RAAC concrete was discovered in its auditorium.
Since then shows, including the pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk, have garnered packed and sell-out audiences, showing how popular the Bromsgrove venue is.
Residents have taken to social media, calling for a long-term plan to be put in place to keep it as an arts venue.
The short term licence will allow BCA to operate the arts venue on a room hire basis, with volunteers continuing to take on the responsibilities of the bar and front of house. Performance groups,
organisations and businesses needing spaces for meetings or group activities will be able to hire the much loved venue for use during daytime and evenings.
Artrix Holding Trust chairman Anita Dale said: “We’re backing BCA’s approach.
“We hope plenty of groups and businesses use the excellent facilities at Artrix, and utilise this fabulous building in the daytime, on weekends and evenings.
“Local support is needed for Artrix to thrive.”
Bromsgrove Community Arts chairman Kyle Daisley said: “The volunteers who have stepped up to support The Core Theatre in the past months have been fantastic.
“It is hoped these people, and others, will continue to underpin the operation at Artrix during these next stages.
“We urge any groups and businesses to come forward to hire the venue and encourage local people to volunteer their time to ensure the continued success of our much loved venue.”
Anyone interested in hiring the venue or volunteering should contact BCA at [email protected] to register their interest and find out more.
