Save the date - mac is back on 1 May 2010
mac is back – Save the Date
Refurbished and revamped the arts centre re-opens on 1 May 2010
that the centre will be opening its doors on 1 May 2010. After two
years of hard work, and a £15m expansion and refurbishment project the
centre will be unveiled over May Bank Holiday Weekend with shows and
performances, and plenty of free[i] activities to encourage visitors
to explore the dynamic spaces within the new building The original buildings, developed in the sixties, have been
re-imagined as a totally integrated centre with new spaces embracing
and enhancing existing, refurbished spaces. New spaces include a
purpose designed gallery, a first for mac, creating opportunities to
maximise the commissioning of work by leading national and
international visual artists, craft makers and performance artists. The theatre has been completely stripped out allowing the team to
replace plant and specialist equipment, replace seating - increasing
capacity and ensure the space is flexible for an even wider range of
events and activities. A brand new performing arts studio has also
been equipped for rehearsal, theatre, dance making and performance
with retractable seating for almost 150 people. With a thorough refurbishment of existing visual arts and performing
arts studios there has also been a significant increase in studio
spaces. In particular, the addition of a dedicated visual and audio
media studio complete with capacity for live capture and transmission
to and from any other space in the wifi enabled building, the arts
centre has been brought right up to date. Accessibility has been a
core mac value since it first opened its doors and physical
accessibility was a real challenge. From the new access pedestrian
bridge to passenger lift access throughout and a new central concourse
connecting all parts of the building, the arts centre is finally fully
accessible to everyone. Highlights over the opening weekend include the grand finale of The
City Sings, a new anthem developed in celebration of mac’s re-opening,
performances by Misty’s Big Adventure and Vijay Kashore, whilst sampad
present United Colours of Dance as part of Birmingham International
Dance Festival. In addition, there will be guided tours around the
building, a variety of workshops, audio trails as part of the
Amplifying the Map project, DJs and much more. Dorothy Wilson, Chief Executive at mac said: “We want everyone to make
sure they save the date, over ten years in the making, the Building
Project has created a dynamic and exciting arts centre that offers
vastly improved spaces for audiences and artists alike, I can’t wait
to show people around on May Bank Holiday Weekend.” Sally Luton, Regional Executive Director, Arts Council England West
Midlands said: “We are delighted to support mac's new development
which brings the facilities right up to date. The mac team have
created an extraordinary and beautiful space that will allow staff,
artists and the public to truly enjoy an arts centre fit for 21st
Century use. mac and sampad already have a loyal customer base and I'm
sure the new building will allow them to reach out to many more.” Cllr Martin Mullaney, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Sport and Culture
said: “This is a welcome and exciting return for the much loved mac
and an exciting development for the arts here in Birmingham. “Birmingham City Council is proud to have played a major role in the
redevelopment and I’m sure mac can make a significant contribution if
we win the race to be the UK’s first City of Culture in 2013.” The £15m Building Project, undertaken by local contractors Thomas Vale
Construction, has been made possible through the generosity of many
donors; major investors Birmingham City Council and Arts Council
England, and through the mac fundraising appeal, which has raised over
£2million from corporate sponsors, trusts and individual supporters. mac’s summer programme will go on sale later this month via the new
website, by postal booking forms and from our Sales and Information
Line on 0121 446 3232*. Watch press for more details and bookmark
www.macarts.co.uk. ENDS 4 February 2010 Press Enquiries: Helen Annetts, PR Mob: 07779 026720 OR Email:
HelenLAnnetts@hotmail.co.uk Neil Holland, PR & Online Officer 0121 446 3237 neil.holland@macarts.co.uk *Sales and Information Line subject to temporary opening hours until
mac re-opens on 1 May. Weekdays 10am to 2pm.
Posted
by brumpr
