ARTS


Culture sector called on to make its economic case


Culture secretary Maria Miller has called on the sector to make an economic case for investing in the arts in her first keynote address. Speaking at the British Museum she


said the arts deliver direct and indirect economic benefits: “Te arts are not an add-on; they are fundamental to our suc- cess as a nation,” she said. Miller added that philanthropy would


play an important role in the government’s long term funding strategy for the arts. Details: http://lei.sr?a=a6r1V


Arts centre plans for Ringwood


Ringwood Mus i cal & Dramatic Society, in part- nership with Greyfriars Community Centre, is planning to develop a new multi-use arts centre on the old Activities Centre site. Te new centre will include


a 280-seat theatre/cinema with retractable seating; 160 places at tables for functions; a large space for dances, proms, conferences and exhibitions, and bar facilities. Also included is a north-


facing room to provide the best light for art clubs, rooms where Judo clubs can train, a coffee shop, kitch- ens and bars to service the theatre and cinema, and a glass foyer area. Planning permission has been submitted to


New Forest District Council with a decision expected by the end of June. Te proposed independently-funded building, designed by


Paul Hobson will join Modern Art Oxford


Modern Art Oxford appoints new director


Contemporary arts space Modern Art Oxford has appointed Paul Hobson its new gallery director. Hobson will bring more than 20 years


experience in the visual arts sector to the gallery including programme development, fundraising and income generation. He will take up the post in September,


leaving his current role as director of the Contemporary Art Society. Hobson has previously held senior positions at the Serpentine Gallery and the Royal Academy of Arts. Details: http://lei.sr?a=S3x0F


South Devon Arts Centre gets the green light


Work has begun on a South Devon Arts Centre (SDAC) project to transform an empty industrial building in Totnes into a new arts and entertainment venue. Located at Totnes Trading Estate, the


project includes a new 250-capacity live performance venue, a 70-seat theatre and cinema, art exhibition space, recording stu- dios and a new home for community radio station Totnes FM. Te official opening of the 5,000sq ſt


(465sq m) space is set for May. Details: http://lei.sr?a=W6Y1W


10 A decision on whether the centre gets the go ahead is expected in June


Ringwood architects Brennan Williams Lester, is estimated to take five years to develop. The Ringwood & District Community


Association and the Ringwood Musical & Dramatic Society have spent more than two years examining the feasibility of the centre. Details: http://lei.sr?a=k2K3g


Arts Council restructures non-executive governance Membership of the National Council will


Arts Council England (ACE) has announced significant changes to its organisational struc- ture, following an independent review. Five new area councils – London, South


West, South East, Midlands and North – will replace the nine regional councils.


also drop from 17 to 14. ACE chair Sir Peter Bazalgette said the


restructuring gives the organisation a chance to reflect on its non-executive governance. Details: http://lei.sr?a=J6n0v


Fund for older people to participate in arts


A new £1m fund aims to get older people living in resi- dential homes involved in the arts, both as audience mem- bers and participants. Partnerships between res-


idential care providers and arts organisations are cur- rently being sought to apply for the funding, which has been put forward by Arts Council England and the Baring Foundation. Museums and libraries


can also apply provided their proposal for the scheme is art focused. It is envisaged the scheme will fund four propos- als over the next three years. According to the most recent Taking Part in the Arts survey, people aged over 75 have a much lower engage- ment in the arts than other age groups.


Read Leisure Opportunities online: www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/digital Older people are encouraged to engage as participants and audiences Arts Council chair Peter Bazalgette said:


“Te arts are a demonstrable source of health and happiness, no matter what age we are.” Details: http://lei.sr?a=O5J8q


Twitter: @leisureopps © Cybertrek 2013


IMAGE: FRANCES ANDERSON


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