A new user group has been created to help form the future of a city arts centre.
Individuals representing arts groups, interested parties and Cheshire West and Chester Council make up the inaugural group for St Mary’s Centre, which will be run by Chester’s Theatre in the Quarter.
Members include: artistic director of Theatre in the Quarter Matt Baker; St Werburgh’s and St Columba’s RC Primary School teacher Rachel Borman; Steph Brocken of Minerva Arts; theatre designer Judith Croft; voice coach Janice Fryett; Amber Knipe of Chester Performs; King’s School sixth former and drama student Olivia McNee; Rose Price of Soundbox; Peter Swingler of Tip Top Productions; Phil Tasker of Chester Operatic Society and David Woods of Chester Music Society. Cheshire West and Chester Council is represented by Emma Knight and Laura Orchard from the Arts and Festivals team.
Chairman Matt Baker said: “We had a great first meeting It’s such a brilliant bunch of people with a wide range of experience and expertise. And it’s really good that we have a good age range too with our youngest member being 17”.
The group discussed a range of issues, including a possible renaming of the centre, a new website and a Christmas season.
Matt added: “We’re almost there on the name - we’ll be revealing it soon.
“I’m really excited about our plans for a Christmas season - there will be magic, mystery and mayhem for all the family!”
Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Wellbeing Cllr Louise Gittins, welcomed news of the group’s first meeting. She said: “This is such a positive initiative for St Mary’s and the city.
“I am delighted that we will be working with Theatre in the Quarter and the user group to give the venue the profile it deserves, and to ensure that it is truly a community venue. I’m very much looking forward to hearing about the new name and about the exciting proposals for the Christmas season.”
