A Vision for Change
Forward Seventy years ago the Guildhall was a shell, destroyed by war it become a symbol of rebirth in a city that treasures it s naval history. Rebuilt and reopened in 1958, the original shell remains the interior reimagined by the architect Berry Webber. The Portsmouth Cultural Trust has inherited a significant local and regional landmark. The buildings physical magnificence cannot be overstated. As a newly formed charity we took on a twenty-five year lease in 2011. The building has a strong relationship with the Council and city partners, not least because it contains the Council Chamber and is home to the Lord Mayor. Since 1960 the largest music acts in the country have entertained audiences including the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Oasis and more recently Mumford and Sons. The role of a Cultural Trust is to encourage cultural development and increased participation in the arts. We have a Cultural Strategy which outlines our commitment to music, to partnership working both locally, regionally and nationally and the creation of new spaces for visual arts and exhibition. We also want to create a first class conference and business centre which sits comfortably alongside our cultural work. I am pleased to present our vision for the next five years. We have a Business Plan and strategy for development over this period which recognises the challenge of sustaining our work and developing the Guildhall. Andy Grays Chief Executive
Our values Our vision and values To educate. We aim to educate people in the arts through performance and creative participation. Our mission: To inspire, entertain and transform lives through the arts. To Inspire. We aim to inspire our community through our work and our passion for the arts. To collaborate. We work with partners so that we can achieve more together. To develop. We aim to develop our people so that they can contribute more towards our success. To diversify. We will continue to diversify our offer, and thereby engage with our audience and client base. Our vision: The Portsmouth Cultural Trust will transform the Guildhall into a leading cultural hub, with first class facilities delivered with expertise and finesse. Our vision is supported by five principles; 1. Culture should be a part of everyone s lives. 2. Culture can transform and enrich lives. 3. Culture should entertain, excite and provoke thought. 4. Culture can teach us more about ourselves and the world we live in. 5. Culture is fundamental to education, regeneration and social cohesion.
Cultural Strategy Classical Music The Guildhall to become nationally re-known for its classical programme and music provision. To support the development of the BSO. To introduce a high quality repertoire of orchestras and performers. To make classical music more accessible to local and regional audiences. To work with the Music Hub in increasing young people s participation in music. Art Form Vision Key Objectives Rock and Pop To be recognised by the music industry and audiences as one of the UK s leading music venues. Increase the number of concerts promoted at the Guildhall. To build and develop our audiences. To support music industry initiatives around training and development.
Cultural Strategy 2013-14 Other Music (jazz, world, blues, folk, hip hop, r n b) To develop an exciting and diverse music offer for local and regional audience. To widen the music offer at the Guildhall. Host live music in new areas. Introduce new audiences to the Guildhall and excite them. Introduce innovative ideas to music presentation and performance. Art Form Vision Key Objectives Visual Arts To excite our community about the arts and heritage. To open up one fine art gallery on the Guildhall s first floor. To open up and develop a major exhibition area focusing on our music heritage and influences. To profile the history of the Guildhall and showcase the works in the Zodiac Gallery.
Cultural Strategy 2013-14 Comedy, Circus, Street Theatre, literature, spoken word, plus recitals and talks. To offer the community of Portsmouth a wide cultural offering. To encourage the main promoters of comedy to programme this country s main comic talent into the main auditorium. To explore innovative and contemporary street theatre and circus both within the Guildhall and the Guildhall Square. To inspire the community through a regular programme of recitals and talks. Cross Cutting Themes Vision Key Objectives Developing Children and Young People To present children and young people with the opportunity to enjoy all aspects of the arts whether through participation or as an audience member. To encourage children and young people to attend high quality concerts. Through partnership working to encourage both the appreciation of the arts and the opportunities to participate. To advise and promote career opportunities within the music industry and the wider creative industries.
Cultural Strategy 2013-14 Supporting The Creative Economy To support the development of the local creative industries as part of the city s wider regeneration programme. To provide incubation space for emerging SME s within the Guildhall. Working in partnership with the University and Cibas run a training and mentoring programme for SME s. Link up with the wider regional agenda associated with PUSH and Creative South. Support A Thriving Visitor Economy Establish the Guildhall as a major visitor attraction. Provide a concert programme of high quality. Establish and promote the new gallery and exhibition areas. Develop a sustainable programme of talks and recitals. Profile the unique aspects of the Guildhall.