Urgent changes planned at 'irreplaceable' Derby arts hub as it issues desperate plea

An image of The Quad arts venue at Derby's Market Place
-Credit: (Image: Derby Telegraph)


Big changes are taking place this month at the city's cash-strapped Quad arts centre in an attempt to save it from permanent closure. A shorter operating week, including no weekday opening or serving of meals, and possible staff redundancies are all among the changes planned.

The new chief executive has said the immediate changes remove the need for permanent closure but has warned that there will still be a "significant gap in the finances" despite them being made. In early July, the popular arts venue admitted it was in "serious financial difficulties" and said that it would have to restructure to be sustainable but refused to be drawn on what that would entail.

After three months, a new statement from Quad has now been published, which said: "We would like to inform customers, partners and supporters that there is to be a significant transformation in the running of the charity from October 17.

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"This transformation is designed to safeguard the long-term future of Quad and will see a reduction in opening hours with a focus on meeting existing charitable aims. With this transformation now in motion, there are no plans for the permanent closure of Quad."

The newly-appointed chief executive, Eleanor Thornley, added: "In July, we spoke of our financial difficulty and need to transform to operate sustainably in a challenging external environment. I joined the organisation as chief executive later that month and have been working with the board, staff and stakeholders to explore options ever since.

"Throughout this work, I have been inspired by the level of commitment and passion I have witnessed from Quad staff, and I thank each and every one of them for their hard work. From the many conversations I’ve had, it’s crystal clear that Quad provides an irreplaceable cultural hub for the city as a place for people to discover film and art, and nurture their creative lives, which is something that I am keen to continue."

She said that due to rising costs and changing audience habits "we are having to make big changes and added: "It is clear that we cannot continue to operate in the same way we have up to now, and that we need to reduce operating costs as a matter of urgency.

"Even with these changes we will still have a significant gap in our finances. Our plans are designed to start the journey towards the sustainable future for Quad that we all want. But the reality is that without support our organisation will not be able to continue.

"Like many cultural organisations, we desperately need funds to stabilise our business to plan for the future. We are committed to doing everything we can to remain in our iconic building and provide memorable, meaningful experiences for our community, but we need help. Please continue to come in and see films, have a drink or attend an event in our bar.

"We are only just getting started, but we need your help to continue.”

Quad will temporarily close on October 13 and reopen and relaunch on October 17 with new operating hours, which means it will be closed on weekdays and open instead on Thursday and Friday evenings and throughout the weekend. In line with this, there will be no kitchen operating but there will be a bar, snacks and drinks available on the second floor.

Ms Thornley said: "We have an exciting line-up of events already planned for the first month, including a new Derby-focussed Dancing Through Time-were you there’? exhibition, our annual Dead and Breakfast all-nighter, Derby Book Festival and the Tomb Raider day TR28.

Copies of the classic Tomb Raider games for PlayStation 1 on show at last year's TR25 event
Copies of the classic Tomb Raider games for PlayStation 1 on show at the 2021 TR25 event -Credit:Luke Earle / TR26

"Additionally, people still be able to enjoy film screenings, exhibitions in our extra gallery space and drinks in our bar. We are in consultation with our people with regards to the impact these changes will have on our staffing levels. In this difficult time for them, I’m determined to prioritise communication and honesty throughout."

Mark Gregory, Quad chair of the Board of Trustees, announced Quad's money difficulties three months ago. He said: "The staff, supported by the board of trustees, have worked tirelessly over the past few months to establish a pathway to a sustainable future for Quad.

"We’re so grateful to all of them. Although more work and support is needed, it is important that we are able to communicate our plan today. Contemplating life without Quad has made us even more determined to find ways to keep it open to you all.

"Now we turn to the people of Derby and Derbyshire to ask for your help - buy a ticket, donate or check out an exhibition. "

Quad, which is a partnership between the city council and Arts Council England, is the city's central hub for art and film with a three-screen cinema, art gallery, digital workshop space and opened in 2008.

It has built a reputation in photography, digital innovation and family friendly events. The venue also organises FORMAT International Photography Festival and Derby Film Festival.

Derby's cultural offering has been reduced over the last 10 years after a fire in the car park closed the adjacent Assembly Rooms in the Market Place and the Guildhall Theatre was closed in 2019 after part of the ceiling collapsed. A new £45.8 million performance venue in Becketwell is due to open next spring but in the meantime the Deda dance centre closed in August and went into administration.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, leader of Derby City Council, said: "QUAD is a valued cultural partner and we’ve worked with them throughout this difficult time to provide whatever support we can.

“We’re committed to regenerating and enhancing the city’s cultural offer and the transformation of Derby Market Place is a key part of this. We’re working hard to minimise any disruption the work may cause to neighbouring businesses and residents.”

For more information about the new Quad opening hours, buy tickets or donate click here.