Opening of art centre tinged with sadness for creator

Jun 19 2008 By Steve Johnson

THE launch of West Bromwich’s £54 million interactive arts centre will be tinged with sadness for the woman who dreamed up the idea 15 years ago.

Sylvia King was director of Jubilee Arts in West Bromwich in the early 1990s when the vision of a futuristic hub with an artistic twist for the Black Country town came to her.

It was her drive and enthusiasm which made The Public project happen and there was no-one in Sandwell happier than Sylvia when building work finally began in 2003.

But her world fell apart when the ambitious project hit the buffers in 2006.

Administrators were brought in as the centre ran into financial trouble and Sylvia was made redundant along with dozens of others.

She went on to win a case for unfair dismissal. Although she was awarded just £2,000, she said it was worth it on a point of principle.

With the opening of The Public and The Public Gallery just ten days away, emotions are running high for the 58-year-old.

Sylvia has been invited to take a look inside, and she has given it a “marvellous” rating.

“I am delighted that the ethos, the idea behind the centre all those years ago, has been adhered to. On one hand I am glad that the centre is finally ready to open, but I am also sad because I am no longer involved.

“We were nearly there when I and many others were forced out two years ago.

“I was chief executive of The Public Ltd when the rug was pulled, and this centre was my baby.

“I have always lived and worked in the borough, and I wanted to develop a place which gives the kids somewhere to go.

“I admit mistakes were made along the way, but I would have loved to have seen this through, and I am very sad I am no longer involved.”