Refurbished Brighton Dome To Include New Creative Space For Artists

Saturday, 22 October 2022 06:00

By Dominic Kureen @WriteOnDom

Brighton Dome has today shared details of a dedicated creative space for artists as part of the refurbished Grade I and II listed Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre.

The space has been made possible following a generous grant from The Roddick Foundation and will be called "Anita’s Room", in memory of Dame Anita Roddick, the activist, entrepreneur and founder of The Body Shop.

As the major restoration of Brighton Dome’s historic buildings heads towards completion, Anita’s Room is revealed to be a space where local, national and international artists and organisations can research, experiment and create bold and courageous work.

The space is also intended to offer opportunities for audiences to observe and learn first-hand about artistic practice. 

Anita’s Room is fully equipped with a lighting grid, mixing desk and the latest 5G technology and can accommodate up to 40 people within its main space, office and kitchen areas.

The Roddick Foundation is a family-run philanthropic organisation dedicated to the support of visionary organisations and individuals demonstrating exceptional creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and courage.

Justine Roddick, Trustee of The Roddick Foundation, and daughter of Dame Anita Roddick said:

Anita Roddick HiRes - Credit: Simon Punter.

“Throughout history, especially through turbulent times like these, art provides a refuge and an escape from daily hardships. 

"Art gives us hope, amplifies important messages, documents moments in time and brings us together.

"To imagine a world without art, theatre, books, music and film is unbearable which is why The Roddick Foundation is committed to supporting the arts and proud to support Anita’s Room at Brighton Dome.”

The Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre refurbishment is the first phase in the Royal Pavilion Estate regeneration project, a long-term collaboration between Brighton & Hove City Council, Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival and Brighton & Hove Museums.

The long-term vision for the project is to reunite the historic estate as a major UK cultural destination, equipping it for a sustainable future and as a centre for heritage and the arts which reflects the unique spirit of Brighton.