Community venue Artrix plans new future

Plans for how a new lease of life could be brought to Bromsgrove theatre and arts venue Artrix are being drawn up.

Trustees have commissioned specialist consultancy FEI to produce a business plan which will identify the level of funding and other resources that would be required to bring a new arts and cultural operation to the shuttered community arts facility.

It’s the latest effort to find a new sustainable future for Artrix, which has been without an operator since it closed as the pandemic struck, although it served as North Worcestershire’s mass vaccination centre.

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.”

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.”

The trust has also called for anyone who might want to volunteer their services to Artrix to get in touch.

Peter added: “Everyone will have seen the outpourings of support for Artrix. That 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.”

To register your interest in any future volunteering opportunities at Artrix, please email artrix.trust. info@bromsgrove.gov.uk Please include an indication of what you would be willing to do, and how often.