Following recommendations from a report on the future of Stamford Arts Centre, a petition has been launched urging a fair review of the historic venue.
A petition has been launched asking South Kesteven District Council to conduct a fair review into Stamford Arts Centre before any decision is made on its future. An independent review has recommended reduced opening hours and more sharing of resources between the Guildhall of Grantham and the Bourne Corn Exchange. The review, however, is taking place at a time when the centre has not been fully operational and local theatre producer Phil Norton is concerned this means it paints a distorted picture of how valuable and viable the venue is:
“The [review] document does state that, because it’s a council funded building, funding isn’t available for the venue – that’s not true. There are actually three types of funding that are received annually” Phil explains. “There’s not a loss like the document says and also it doesn’t appear that the room hire income and commission from external promoters has been included. While there are costs that do need to be reduced, the figures aren’t right.”
South Kesteven District Council says that there are no proposals to close Stamford Arts Centre, only to look at different ways to get more people using it.
The petition can be viewed here: Petition · Show your support for services and staff at Stamford Arts Centre · Change.org
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