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Change for Harrow Arts Centre

Harrow Council’s cabinet last night agreed to hand over the running of Harrow Arts Centre to Cultura London, an independent Charitable Trust.
The charity is raising funds with a vision to transform the Arts Centre into a “Southbank Centre for North London” – with cinemas, galleries, restaurants, bars and a new, larger theatre to complement the historic Elliot Hall.
Cllr Sue Anderson, Harrow Council portfolio holder for culture said: 
“Our residents treasure the Arts Centre – but the Council can simply no longer afford to bankroll its losses. The Arts Centre can only survive if it is financially successful. That means it needs to grow, and become a true, modern cultural hub for everyone in the borough – and beyond.
Cultura London are the right charity for this challenge, with the right experience and a magnificent vision – and the Council will support them and work with them every step of the way.”
Cultura London will also run Harrow’s premier historic site, Headstone Manor and Museum. CulturaLondon’s management previously helped secure the Manor’s multi-million pound refurbishment grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Cultura London is aiming to raise £3.5 million to begin the Arts Centre’s redevelopment. The first phase would demolish some of the temporary buildings and bring the cinemas to the site. 
More than £2 million of the funding will come from grants and other industry funding, which will trigger a £1 million Harrow Council loan.  The local fundraising campaign has already raised more than £30,000 towards the first phase of the development.
Cultura London Chief Executive Sandra Bruce-Gordon said:  “This is in an important moment for Harrow.  We are delighted that Harrow Council have taken this far-sighted decision and have backed culture in the area.  
“We look forward to the next steps in delivering this exciting vision with the help of the local community”.  
Patrons of the new charity include comedian Barry Cryer, conductor Owain Arwel Hughes, jazz musician Courtney Pine, actor David Suchet and folk rock band The Staves.
If you would like to pledge money to Cultura London’s fundraising effort, call the pledge line: 020 8938 3720. You can find out more by visiting www.culturalondon.uk. If the funding is not raised by July, the Arts Centre may still have to close.


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