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

A feasibility study prepared for the Black Box TrustNovember 2011available at the discretion of the Council‟s director and committee members. It is typically usedfor „one-off‟ or „innovative‟ projects, however was made available to the Black Box on the basisof its nature as a „temporary‟ arts and culture performance space until the arrival of the newMAC.Given the Black Box will have to compete alongside other arts and culture organisations forfunding for financial year 2012, provided through the Tourism, Culture and Arts Unit of BelfastCity Council, it is important to consider how the operation of the Black Box complements theCouncil‟s new „Integrated Cultural Strategy for Belfast‟ and its „Integrated Strategic Frameworkfor Belfast Tourism‟.Although the new „Integrated Cultural Strategy is not yet in place, it will have an impact on futurefunding applications, in terms of criteria, and will be intrinsically linked to the decision process ofthe Council in awarding funding to organisations.Building upon the Culture and Arts Plan in 2003, Belfast City Council has been working with theDepartment of Culture, Arts and Leisure and the Arts Council for Northern Ireland to developand Integrated Cultural Strategy for Belfast.The shared vision of the „Integrated Cultural Strategy for Belfast‟ is:“To create a vibrant, cultural capital where arts and culture are placed firmly at the centre ofeconomic, social and environmental regeneration in a way which inspires, empowers andelevates those who live, work and visit the city”The operation of the Black Box and its continuation as an arts and culture performance spacecomplement the majority of objectives set out in the strategy, particularly in:The development of new and existing cultural products with particular focus on summer,evening and outdoor programming;Development of creative talent;The development of cultural quarters such as the Cathedral Quarter;Making culture more accessible and growing audiences;Showcasing talent and good practice;Enhancing and promoting cultural use of public spaces;Widening access and removing barriers to arts and heritage participation; andDiversifying audiences for the arts.The Black Box has established itself as part of the arts and culture fabric of the CathedralQuarter in Belfast. It attracts a range of events from small poetry readings to theatrical andmusical performances and festivals. The venue appeals to a varied audience with attendancegrowing year on year. It was recently involved „Culture Night‟, when the entire Cathedral Quarterarea was cordoned off and pedestrianised for the evening, encouraging people to walk throughthe area and visit each of the venues hosting local performances.In consultation with the Council, they recognised that “the Black Box has become a criticalspace…most events sell out - it has a very distinctive programme and a huge following”.They also identified the Black Box as “the anchor venue of the Cathedral Quarter, the one tobring all the festivals in the city together.”10