Derby Cultural Diversity Arts Network

Pete Meakin is the current Head of Arts and Events for Derby City Council. He was using his talk about Derby LIVE as part of the consultation process.

The idea for Derby LIVE sprang from the situation regarding Derby Playhouse. The production company based there was in a large amount of debt while still asking for ever-increasing levels of funds from Arts Council England (ACE) and Derby City Council. As a result, both the City Council and ACE decided to remove funding from the company, which is now in administration. This has left the building itself empty: a useable and equipped theatre, but in need of activity. However, its future has not been decided because of a lawsuit.

In addition, an arts consultant was asked to look at the arts provision in the city and found that

Derby is underachieving in the delivery, promotion and attraction of performing arts. ‘The main reason for this is the ageing, capacity-limited or inappropriate performing arts venues in the city.’

From "Derby Arts Strategy: Venues. Buildings. Infrastructure."

Derby City Council's plan to change this is to run a new identity for performance in the city, which brings together the existing Council venues (Assembly Rooms, Guildhall, and Derby Playhouse) and the large outdoor spaces (all of the parks and the Market Place).

This identity is called Derby LIVE, and it would use the funding that was allocated to the Playhouse (just under £400 000), and plans to use the funding from ACE (estimated at £3.5million spread over three years).

Performances will be programmed into any of these spaces according to the needs of the performance and anticipated size of audience. Participatory and educational work would also be included.

There are four ways for artists to work with Derby LIVE:

Hire one of the venues

This would be a commercial venture with all costs directed to the artist

Work in association with Derby LIVE

The artist controls the product, but has the benefit of possible help (with publicity, venue hire, and so on) from Derby LIVE

Co-produce with Derby LIVE

The artist and Derby LIVE come together and design a project with a shared vision

Work in a Derby LIVE production

Derby LIVE comes up with a project, and then hires the artist to deliver it

There may also be the opportunity to have temporary desk space for arts organisations in the Playhouse.

Pete is looking for comments and questions about Derby LIVE, so please e-mail him or phone him on 01332 715515 or minicom: 01332 256666.