Forum Topic

An Arts Centre for Acton

Hi everyone, plans are gathering pace to bring an Arts Centre to Acton - still early stages and I'd love to get your input on (a) what you think it should offer (b) where it could be located and (c) how you might be able to help. At this stage, just talking about it and getting other folks excited about the idea would be fantastic. I've started a Facebook page - www.facebook.com/ActonArtsCentre - please 'Like' it and pass it on. If you want to message me privately, please connect with me here or use the Facebook page, otherwise - very much looking forward to the discussions! GS

Glynne Steele ● 4962d37 Comments

www.facebook.com/ActonArtsCentre - please 'Like' and pass on!

Glynne Steele ● 4962d

Surely look no further than the defunct Acton Arms. This site obviously does not work as a pub. So...step in Ealing Council!

Michael Wale ● 4962d

Hi Michael, yes - have already spoken to Enterprise (who own the Arms); it's a bit of a complicated situation given that it's gone back into their care so quickly (something I'm sure they weren't expecting). I'm speaking to them again today, so will post up what I find out. What I do know is that it has to stay as a pub - one their franchise rules. GS

Glynne Steele ● 4962d

The Acton Arms (ie. Redback Tavern as was) is still in limbo - it should be back with Enterprise in the next couple of weeks so we'll know the status of the building then (ie. whether it'll be available...) GS

Glynne Steele ● 4962d

It's only an outside hope, but unless you have a cut you don't get anywhere. So good luck, and it might be good PR for whomever owns it.

Michael Wale ● 4962d

Oh? What's happened to the Acton Arms?Re an arts centre - some sort of cinema would be nice, showing more indie/foreign films than the usual multiplex fare (not that I'm averse to the odd Arnie film).

Olga Sidoryk ● 4962d

Shoreditch (council owned) town hall is installing a privately run top chef 'canteen' type restaurant and bar with low prices. So let's have some imagination here. A bar, 'canteen' type restaurant,then arts centre for films, plays et al. Acton got the admirable W3 art gallery. Acton can lead the way in West London again.

Michael Wale ● 4962d

If only someone could convince the owners of Beechworth House.  Despite the council making it look a bit better, it's still ugly and a terrible waste of space.

N Roberts ● 4962d

Where do you fit in with the existing Acton Arts Forum?

Lorna Dodd ● 4962d

Hi Lorna, on the fringe for the moment (but paddling in...!) - I'm meeting with various folks, including Rachel Pepper and Steve Flynn next week.

Glynne Steele ● 4961d

Hi GlynneI think the Tabard -amongst others-is probably a good, and well established model for success. No reason why a theatre and a pub can't co-exist, and I think there's more space at the Redback (or so I'm told... a number of your former pupils have reported!)I can promise some manpower - drama degree and all- last you worked with him he was 10 and 1/2.Also Rob is working with the 4th monkey theatre group who are always looking for venues.Hope all's wellJeremy

Jeremy Thorpe-Woods ● 4961d

Awesome - thanks J! We need to make that pint happen...when are you free? G

Glynne Steele ● 4961d

Sounds like a fine excuse for a theatre.One evening next week?

Jeremy Thorpe-Woods ● 4961d

I would like some arts, textiles classes which are not a trek away!

Thea Buchan ● 4961d

I think there is a real opportunity to get Acton to be a centre for young artists in west London.  The W3 gallery on the High Street is always worth stopping by once a month but I think there's potential for a lot more.

N Roberts ● 4961d

Thanks Thea - good idea, I'll stick it on the list. We'll be launching a (very short) survey soon to find out what people might want from an Arts Centre - will let you know via FB (Facebook) and the Forum here when it's ready.

Glynne Steele ● 4961d

Agreed - the Gallery is fantastic. Acton could easily become a magnet for all sorts of artistic endeavour. Can't wait!

Glynne Steele ● 4961d

Have a look at this setup in Sheffield:http://www.access-space.orgMy website ishttp://www.chrisbell.org.uk

Chris Bell ● 4960d

Indeed. We have a lot to learn in London. But this discussion is wonderful. It is about the community, and not politics. Keep out politicians! The future is with the people!

Michael Wale ● 4960d

You may also be interested inhttp://hackspace.org.ukand perhaps visit their London Hackspace close to Hoxton Station (London Overground just north of Liverpool Street).

Chris Bell ● 4960d

I wandered into backspace almost by accident, inspiring

Jeremy Thorpe-Woods ● 4956d

"I wandered into backspace almost by accident, inspiring"Was that a typo for Hackspace? The Nottingham Hackspace was seen on BBC Click last weekend. I am told that just about every small town in Europe has something similar.I have been trying to persuade Ealing Council to help set up a community computer club where anyone can learn how to install, configure, and use advanced computer systems. The UK is trailing way behind the rest of the world. Local councillors have confirmed that they are not interested.I have lived all my life in North Acton, and would much prefer to get something going locally, but have just been asked to help set something up for a charity in Hammersmith. If there is some interest in Acton please tell me soon before I donate everything to Hammersmith.http://www.chrisbell.org.uk

Chris Bell ● 4956d

Yes it was thanks Chris ....I'll have to wander back into Hackspace :-)

Jeremy Thorpe-Woods ● 4956d

Do also look at the Sheffield facilityhttp://access-space.org

Chris Bell ● 4956d

I'm mad about making mosaics and so are some other Actonites I know. Time for a community project?

Anne Wilson ● 4955d

The Bush Theatre is well worth a look, very nice space and good shows

Jeremy Thorpe-Woods ● 4954d

http://www.newbreweryarts.org.ukone of my favourite places and a potential blue print for an Acton Arts Centre??

Sam Perkins ● 4951d

Thanks everyone for comments so far - it's a busy time with lots of meetings and a lot of interest. Keep checking the Facebook page - www.facebook.com/ActonArtsCentre. We'll also have a rudimentary web presence soon as we run up to making an initial proposal to the Council. Exciting stuff! GS

Glynne Steele ● 4951d

In the mean time, the West London Trades Union Club (33-35 High Street) has a monthly film season (Hellzapoppin on March 16th), and hosts a community theatre group - Sturdy Beggars (next performance in May). See www.wltuc.com.

Pete Grist ● 4950d

Thanks Pete, really helpful to know.

Glynne Steele ● 4950d

Hi all, new article now live on W3's front page (thanks Annemarie). Our website is also now live:www.actonartscentre.comPlease take our super-short (30 second) survey - see the above website for details. GS

Glynne Steele ● 4948d

Hi all, it's initial proposal submission day (Fri 8th) for the Arts Centre and I'm looking for a big push on Facebook 'Likes' and Surveys to help swell the numbers - if you haven't done so yet, I'd be grateful for those two things, and please tell your friends! Go to www.actonartscentre.com to do both.GS

Glynne Steele ● 4940d

Plus you can follow on twitter @Arts4Acton. Not that it says much yet.234 Likes on facebook so far and Glynne wants 300 by the end of today...

Sara Nathan ● 4940d

Can we get something on the front page... or would that be too partizan?

Jeremy Thorpe-Woods ● 4940d

Have also tweeted it, so that means my four and a half followers (one dog) will definitely do itahem

Jeremy Thorpe-Woods ● 4940d

There has been a very recent article on the front page - what's wrong with partisanship in a local issue?Have also tweeted and posted to loads today. The number of likes has gone up but not by much.

Sara Nathan ● 4940d

How did it go Glynne?

Jeremy Thorpe-Woods ● 4936d