FEASIBILITY_STUDY , item 14. PDF 1 MB - Meetings, agendas and ...

A feasibility study prepared for the Black Box TrustNovember 2011“The Black Box is a vibrant arts space in the heart of Belfast's cultural Cathedral Quarter.Affordability, accessibility and quality are key to the work and events we present. Webelieve in removing barriers to audiences and improving the ability of all to experience,enjoy and engage with the arts. We present work across the sectors including music,literature, theatre, film, comedy, live art and cabaret; and provide a high performanceincubation space for emerging artists, curators and promoters to experiment and presenttheir art form to audiences. As a not-for-profit arts venue, the Black Box has strong linkswith both community initiatives as well as Belfast's highest profile festivals. We aim tocontinue to encourage the growth of Belfast's creative talent, play a role in the city's artsoffer to all of its audiences and be a valued employer throughout the sector.”1.2 Objectives of this studyThe overarching objective of this study is to identify and evaluate the potential future options forthe Black Box. The research has the following aims:• Establish the strategic context for the Black Box, considering key stakeholder policyobjectives and strategies at a local, national and international level;• Assess the „need‟ and „demand‟ of the Black Box in relation to current infrastructure andresources, its location and audience performance;• Evaluate the co-existence of the Black Box and the new Belfast Metropolitan Arts Centre(MAC) and the impact of long term stand alone sustainability of the venue;• Identify and describe the options for development including requirements of scale andform of development;• Identify potential income generating streams including consideration of private sources,trusts, foundations, gifting, corporate sponsorship, joint ventures and earned income;• Consider governance and capacity building implications including mechanisms for thefuture operation of such a development;• Establish a set of a set of clear recommendations including the preferred option showingoutline costs, benefits and associated risk assessments with each option allowing for thedevelopment of a full economic appraisal; and• Identify the possible implications of the closure of the Black Box with specific emphasison arts provision and economic impact to the Cathedral Quarter and Belfast.2