The arts: shaping the future of Gloucester's medieval gem

The Regeneration Team and Art Shape are working together to investigate the creation of an arts and community hub in the wonderful city centre church of St Nicholas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Art Shape - art for all

Art Shape is a Gloucester based charity and social enterprise that enhances people’s lives through providing access to the arts. They work to combat exclusion from the arts with a particular focus on adults facing disabling barriers.

Art Shape and CCT's Regeneration team have been working together on the initial stages of a project to create an arts hub in St Nicholas, building on the current arts activities provided from the church.

 

  

The project is being led by Art Shape, who envision creating a space and activity programme that would benefit other arts organisations, as well as people living in the city and across Gloucestershire.

“What’s special about St Nicholas?”

We have some ideas about what's special about the building - but we want to know what Gloucester's residents think too.

In September 2010 Arts Shape and CCT carried out a consultation with local people. This gave local residents and visitors an opportunity to give their thoughts on what the building could usefully provide the local area with, in terms of activities, services and events (and also an opportunity to try out some new art activities - sandcasting and animation being very popular!)

People also told us what they think is special about the building, and this will feed into an Assessment of Significance for St Nicholas, which will be researched and produced by one of CCT's Conservation Managers.

The art of business

We have recently completed an initial business planning exercise with Arts Shape. That provided us with some evidence that an arts centre would be a sustainable use of the church. It was also felt that a stronger business case could be made if Arts Shape partnered with another organisation to maximise the building's use and income. Arts Shape is now contacting other organisations to see if they are interested in a partnership project.  

This part of the project has kindly been funded by the Lankelly Chase Foundation.