The focus of this on-line magazine is all about Arts in Staffordshire in all its forms. However the arts scene in Staffordshire is strengthened greatly by the rich and diverse landscape of creative organisations, people and spaces that are peppered across the entire region.
Sad then to learn that one of the most innovative and creative arts venues in the region – Sandwell’s The Public – is under severe and real threat of being closed as an arts, cultural and creative venue as the council announced on 9 May 2013 that they are looking at alternative uses for the building.
This was very much a shock announcement as The Public, which represents the best in creativity for this region, provides true access to arts in all its forms to close on half a million visitors a year. It is also home to 27 creative business and organisations who employ over 100 people.
For people local to The Public this would mean the loss of access to arts in a world class building set in the heart of Sandwell – today one of the most deprived areas in the UK but with a long history of creativity, innovation and community pride which changed the world.
More than that though, If we do lose the public as a premier arts space, it will not only be a travesty for the residents of Sandwell – this will be a blow to arts and creativity for the entire West Midlands region – and a massive missed opportunity to shine a light on the creative people and industries that thrive here in the heart of the country.
So please raise your voice and share your support to keep the Public open as a world class arts venue.
[h2]How you can Help[/h2]
Sign the petition to show your support here
Show your support on twitter via: #SupportThePublic
Find out how else you can get your voice hear here
Visit The Public Website for more insight and the latest developments
http://www.thepublic.com/LoveOurPublic
[h2]More about the Public[/h2]
Since opening in August 2009, The Public opened in 2009 and has had 400,00 visitors & users in the last 12 months
The Public has contributed greatly to the regeneration of the Black Country
Their comedy line up is attracting well known stars of the calibre of Al Murray, Alexei Sayle and Jenny Éclair
Their annual music festival supports dozens of bands from across West Midlands.
During school holidays hundreds of families attend sell-out workshops and children theatre, and exploring the gallery’s free exhibitions.
During 2012-13 the venue welcomed over 100 work experience placements providing a platform to develop skills and opportunities.
The Public nurtures new and emerging artists and provides them with opportunity to showcase their work alongside established, highly regarded artists.
In 2012 their annual Summer Show received over 300 submissions, and this year the open exhibition will provide Sandwell people with an opportunity to display their work alongside work by Tracey Emin, Martin Creed and recent Turner Prize nominee, David Shrigley.
The Public is home to 27 creative businesses employing over 60 people, in addition to dozens more community organisations that regularly use the venue.
Creative organisation, The Learn Play foundation, based within The Public, employ up to 200 local young apprentices alone.
