Things That Matter Number 10: Arts Centres

I went to a launch event of the brand new Bernie Grant Arts Centre last week. It’s based in Tottenham and very splendid it is too.

It’s a beautiful space; funky, fresh and well thought out. The auditorium and stage are magnificent. I was a bit envious of the size, and the innovative seating to tell you the truth. The newness of it all was dazzling.

The programme of events they have is urban, very different from what we put on here at Millfield Towers. That’s great as well. Choice is everything, and I’m sure it will be a resounding success. I’ve already booked for a few shows and I urge everyone to go and pay a visit. I think Mr Grant would be very proud.

Arts Centres are without doubt essential. I’ll defend them to the death. The more there are the better. What is vital to understand, both with the Millfield and the Bernie Grant Centre, is that they are situated in areas of perceived depravation.

Art Centres in such locales offer more than just entertainment. They have a social, communal and educational purpose that is massively important and sometimes ignored. In short, if managed properly and attended well, they become people palaces. And when they achieve that, they transcend any notion of artiness and enter the fabric of everyday life.

www.millfieldtheatre.co.uk
http://www.berniegrantcentre.co.uk