Funding hopes for cinema plan key to securing centre’s future
Museum to host lecture
THERE are plans for a new cinema at Pontardawe Arts Centre.
The plans, which depend on obtaining grant funding, form part of a new business plan to help secure the future of the centre.
Neath Port Talbot Council – which owns and manages the centre – and the new Friends of Pontardawe Arts Centre Group say a new cinema would widen the appeal to new audiences, especially younger people within the community, and help consolidate existing audiences.
The aim is to establish a more commercial approach at the arts centre with plans to develop the current licensed bar and food offer.
Other parts of the business plan involve expanding a volunteer scheme and providing a more targeted programme for children at the arts centre, particularly children’s theatre, film and participatory activities.
Budget cuts have seen ongoing reductions to the arts centre’s funding.
In the current financial year Neath Port Talbot Council cut its funding by £30,000 and the council is looking to reduce its funding further over the next two years by £110,000.
The building maintenance costs alone are around £50,000 each year.
The new cinema would depend on gaining grants from Arts Council for Wales.
As a charity the Friends of Pontardawe Arts Centre Group is able to fundraise and access grant aid.
The arts centre, which opened in 1996, has a Victorian-style theatre with a maximum capacity of 500 as well as a studio theatre which can accommodate up to 100, an attic gallery, a teaching studio, cafe and a bar. It receives an annual grant of around £64,000 from the Arts Council for Wales.
On Thursday, Neath Port Talbot Council’s leisure and culture sub-committee will be asked to approve the implementation of the new business plan and give permission for officers to work with the arts council to obtain a capital grant towards the cost of the new cinema development.
In a report going before councillors, officers state: “The business plan recognises the addition of a new cinema is key to sustaining the future of Pontardawe Arts Centre.”
An initial feasibility study by the Arts Council has already taken place and the council has been invited to progress to the next stage.
Officers say a business consultant is now needed with the Arts Council paying 75% of the £50,000 fee and the council required to fund £12.5,000.
Stage three of the application involves the final submission to the Arts Councils capital grants panel.
Before that a report will come before council with the full costs involved. KARMEN Thomas will deliver a lecture on scientific research and the birth of the University College of Swansea as part of the programme of the Royal Institution of South Wales.
The lecture will take place at Swansea Museum on Thursday at 7.30pm. Entry is free and all are welcome.