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

A feasibility study prepared for the Black Box TrustNovember 20116 Options for the way forwardThis section considers the strategic context and the need identified in the previous sections andprovides an overview of the objectives, opportunities and constraints of the continued operationof the Black Box. It then examines the options for the way forward.6.1 Key objectivesIn light of the strategic context and the need identified, the primary objectives for the futureoperation of the Black Box are:To deliver increased access to and participation in artistic and cultural activities;To sustain and develop the current activities of the venue;To contribute and complement existing/planned infrastructure and resources;To move towards greater sustainability; andTo help achieve the strategic objectives of the ACNI, BCC and DSD.These achievements should result in a number of social, economic and cultural benefits forBelfast and its communities, such as:Increased complementary expenditure in the local area from visitors and tourists;Increased social cohesion through the provision of a neutral space;Less dependency on public funds going forward; andIncreased recognition and popularity of the Cathedral Quarter area as the arts and culturalhub of the city.6.2 OpportunitiesIn our view there are specific opportunities for the Black Box to consider going forward.The continuing growth of Cathedral Quarter as a cultural quarter of the city and the potentialimplementation of the Cathedral Quarter 5 Year Vision & Development Plan provide animportant context for the Black Box;Having established itself over the last 5 years as a key element of the Cathedral Quarterscene with strong support and growing audiences, there is an opportunity to consider howto consolidate and enhance its position over the next 5 years;The events in Northern Ireland associated with 2012 and the associated projected growth intourism visitors to Belfast next year and beyond represent an important opportunity for theBlack Box;In our view, the opening of the MAC represents an opportunity rather than a threat, not justfor the Black Box but for the whole Cathedral Quarter with increased numbers of visitorsand footfall in the area; and43