A new cinema along with more unique festivals that combine music, art, film and food are in store at the Exeter Phoenix, with a wedge of cash to increase its facilities.
The new cinema, says the blurb, will offer more opportunities for local filmmakers and artists to show their work.
The development comes as a result of the Exeter Phoenix’s successful in a bid to Arts Council England for £320,000 to increase its facilities. The project will be match-funded, and will enable an expanded film programme that will take place in a new cinema.
Audiences will also be able to see more high-profile bands and comedians play in Exeter due to increased capacity when a new balcony and an extra 94 seats is installed in the auditorium.
A new bar and hospitality area on the first floor will enable visitors to enjoy drinks with a view while increased work space will mean more creative companies can work from Exeter Phoenix’s site. The money will also allow the addition of green measures such as solar power generation and insulation.
Derek Philips, chair of the Board at Exeter Phoenix, said: ‘We are delighted that we can now make these additions to the building which will enable this city’s creative hub to generate new business, develop more artists and create more opportunities for South West audiences.’
Exeter Phoenix, along with four other arts organisations in the region will receive the money from the Arts Council’s Small Scale Capital Funding Programme for developing the sustainability and resilience of buildings.
Phil Gibby, area director, South West, Arts Council England, said: ‘We’re delighted to be supporting these five organisations through our small-scale Capital programme.
‘The grants will have a real impact on the future resilience of the organisations, consolidating and improving their existing spaces and resources, making them more innovative businesses and ensuring higher quality and more adventurous art and culture for audiences.
Architects Eduardo Hoyos has been appointed and work is scheduled to commence this spring.
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