Future secured for The Public arts centre in West Bromwich
“We felt very strongly that the building should be all one single experience – so the gallery will be free to visit and will be very much linked to learning and community activity. We plan to open as a whole to the public for preview visits over the August Bank Holiday to coincide with the Sandwell Show.”
The Cabinet member said they were grateful to the Arts Council for its support in the preparation of the business plan, and in keeping faith with the project.
A new company, to be called Sandwell Arts Trust, will run The Public from next month on behalf of Sandwell Council. The arts centre is seen as a massive asset at the heart of West Bromwich capable of delivering a wide-ranging programme of cultural and other events, and supporting the delivery of education, training and enterprise.
It is also intended as a major focal point for the ongoing regeneration of West Bromwich, which received a massive boost last month when Sandwell College’s plans for a new £80 million campus was approved by the Learning and Skills Council.
The new business plan for The Public will focus on maximising its use by local people, with regular comedy and reggae nights and film screenings, and a community arts day aimed at showcasing work by local groups.
Sandwell Council has also seconded its head of libraries, Linda Saunders, as interim general manager.
