LEICESTER's
INDEPENDENT
ARTS
CENTRE

Open Daily 68-70 Humberstone Gate wifi-available

The project in Humberstone Gate began the end of March 2009 when The Art Organisation obtained use of the building at 68-70 from the landlord Bildurn Properties, ideal as a centre for independent arts and arts education in the city. This association allowed us to instantly promote opportunities and invite the community to participate.

Opening September 2009, project manager Adam Kirk has been orchestrating the building's progress on behalf of The Art Organisation in Leicester, working with volunteers to develop ideas and apply their artistic talents to the space. Artist studios have been made available and artists wishing to work in Leicester are taking up occupancy. Gallery space has been created and the coffee bar opened, with Adam guiding volunteers, teaching skills where necessary, to make the space presentable and of use, where previously it stood empty. In the months that have past we have had artists in production, live music and community events, displays of crafts and exhibitions of artwork, and much more.

The Art Organisation do not receive funding for their projects and work independently, fundraising from within to support the necessary costs, reaching a level of financial sustainment, leading to potential employment, and creating a template for their working practice that does not drain public funds and sees active centres for the arts in Liverpool and Nottingham and London.

The project in Leicester is now coming into full swing with the coffee bar now open daily and volunteer opportunities increasing. Adam is inviting any interested party to come down and see where their talents lie, and get involved with further developments for the benefit of the arts community. The coffee bar is an ideal meeting place and offers chance to network in the community.

As the project develops we hope to make further space available for workshops, classes and further teaching in the arts, making links in the region to increase opportunities for those that will benefit. Creating a blank canvas for expression is core to the artistic talent in the city and this ever evolving centre hopes to accomodate these talents, listening to artistic needs and working to make ideas happen.