Author, Ian Jukes

University challenge on Artrix’s post-vax future

Teams of university researchers are to pitch their plans for the future of Bromsgrove theatre and arts venue Artrix after its run as a Covid-19 mass vaccination centre.

A ‘Virtual Consultancy Challenge’ run by Careers Network at the University of Birmingham will task postgraduate researchers with pitching their sustainable ideas for the arts venue.

The challenge will see inter-disciplinary groups from the university meet with and ultimately pitch their proposals to their ‘client’, Artrix’s owners the Artrix Holding Trust, through a series of virtual meetings and video presentations this spring.

Through the specialist training programme, the researchers will tackle the real-life challenges facing Artrix and spaces like it as a teaching tool for teamwork, project management, creative problem solving and pitching.

The students’ ideas and expertise will also inform the Trust’s plans for the building once the vaccination programme has been completed.

Margaret Sherrey, chair of the Artrix Holding Trust, said: “We’re delighted to lend our support to the NHS and the fight against this pandemic at this time, but work doesn’t stop on finding a sustainable future for our beloved venue.

“Working with the university is just the latest step in that work. We’re working with people in the community, we’re working with the industry, and now we’re working with the university, where postgraduate students can hone their creative and business skills using Artrix as a practical example, and the Trust can receive their input.”

Katie Hoare, PGR entrepreneurial development officer and organiser of the Virtual Consultancy Challenge, said: “I was specifically seeking a client from the arts and culture sector and Artrix is perfect. It presents a fantastic opportunity for our researchers to address a very real challenge whilst developing their enterprise and employability skills and helping the Trust at the same time. I’m excited to get started.”

It’s the third such Virtual Consultancy Challenge and follows exploring the creation of an education centre at Worcester Cathedral’s Undercroft and the development of small business support from the Centre for Mental Health.

Artrix, which is owned by the Artrix Holding Trust, has been closed since Covid-19 restrictions began, with its former operator having gone into administration shortly afterwards. The trust, supported by the National Theatres Trust, is currently working on plans to find a sustainable future for the facility.