Taster weekend shows arts centre’s many faces.
Reminiscent of its re-opening in 2010, mac’s Taster Weekend event saw over 10,000 visitors through the doors, with over 800 children, young people and families participating in 40 free, creative activities including, baby massage, stained glass, Tai Chi, pottery, and Dhol Drum, alongside live music performances and gallery tours. All supported by the generous players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
With the help of mac volunteers and staff, visitors sampled the many courses on offer at the arts centre throughout the year. mac artist tutors were on hand to advise on their respective courses, enabling participants to meet them, ask questions and enjoy activities in state of the art facilities. With the start of the new autumn term following on Monday 15 September, it was a great way for visitors to discover their creative sides.
Recently retired Solihull-grandmother, Sally Pope was full of praise for the event. She said: “mac is such a fantastic resource for people across the region. I forget just how vast the space is and how many wonderful studios, theatres and venues are all under one welcoming roof. I came to get my granddaughters involved in some arts and crafts, and ended up signing onto a course myself.”
Chief Executive and Artistic Director, Dorothy Wilson was thrilled to see so many people in the building, both frequent and new faces. “We work so hard to ensure everyone who visits mac feels welcomed and able to get involved with the rich diversity of artistic opportunities. We’re here to make art an important part of people’s lives. With 4 million visits since we re-opened in May 2010, we’ve proved that despite the shadow of an economic downturn, the value of creative activities remains vital to our communities.”
Sanjay Singh, Trusts Manager at People’s Postcode Lottery added: “mac’s Taster Weekend has proved to be a fantastic success; it is wonderful that so many families were able to get involved in the activities and I am delighted that players of People’s Postcode Lottery were able to support this creative event.”
The weekend was also supported by former mac alumni, and celebrated actor, Adrian Lester, for whom mac was an important part of discovering his talent as a young man. Commenting on his time at mac, and the Taster Weekend,he said: “My time spent in the Birmingham Youth Theatre and with The Children’s Opera Company, both at mac birmingham, have left me with some great memories of the centre and the dedicated staff who work there. I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without the opportunities and confidence that mac offered me.
“I recently returned there with my wife, Lolita Chakrabarti (who also did some work with the Birmingham Youth theatre at mac) and our children. It was great to be able to take our kids to the place that had such an incredible impact on me when I was their age. Needless to say they were quite impressed by the work they saw. I am very pleased that players of People’s Postcode Lottery have decided to support this amazing arts centre, which is so close to my heart.
“Helping mac to reach out to children, young people and families who have not had too many chances to experience or participate in the arts is a wonderful gift, and it will have a transformative impact on so many young lives. I know it did for me. Thank you so much for your support of mac birmingham!”
