22 March 2015

Sajid stepping in gets new role to seek fund-raising for Artrix

WORCESTERSHIRE County Council has agreed to contribute £30,000 to pay for a new fund-raising and marketing officer for Bromsgrov’s Artrix in a bid to safeguard the centre’s long-tern future.

The authority agreed to the request made by Bromsgrove MP and Culture Secretary Sajid Javid, who said he was thrilled the funding was now in place.

“This is a brilliant step forwards in helping the Artrix to grow as an organisation that benefits so many people in our neighbourhood.”

He thanked Worcestershire County Council for the cash and the continued support of Bromsgrove District Council.

Worcestershire County Council leader Coun Adrian Hardman said: “Having considered this issue we are delighted to be able to help Artrix boost its income and have many, many more successful years.”

Artrix director Ros Robins added he was delighted and said: “This amount will enable the organisation to build its staffing capacity over the next year and get its fund-raising and audience development plans off to a good start.

“We are grateful for the support and assistance both of the county council and our local MP.

“As Secretary of State for Culture, Sajid understands the needs of arts organisations in these financially challenging times.”

The news comes just six weeks before Artrix is due to host its tenth anniversary celebrations with a special outdoor event.

That – on April 25 – will begin with a lantern parade from Bromsgrove High Street at 8.30pm to Artrix.

Then, at 9pm, there will be a spectacular show from internationally renowned theatre company Walk the Plank.

‘Spellbound’ will mix shadow puppet theatre and dazzling pyrotechnics.

Ros said: “It promises to be a wonderful birthday party and a great way to thank all those local people that have shown their support for Artrix in recent months.”

Schools, scout, guide and brownies packs, youth groups and other organisations are being urged to contact Artrix if they are interested in taking part in the lantern parade.

Learning and engagement officer TC Peppercorn is available to work with them on making the lanterns ahead of the big parade.

In conjunction with the tenth anniversary, Artrix is also launching a fund-raising campaign, asking people to donate £10 in celebration of the marvellous milestone and to raise money for the next decade.

Cash raised will support the studio programme, particularly new and emerging artists, visits by theatre companies in the school holidays and performances for family audiences. It will also fund the much-needed replacement of some of the theatre’s lighting equipment.

Donations can be made online at www.artrix.co.uk or via the donation boxes in the foyer.

Reprinted by kind permission of The Bromsgrove Standard