Birmingham arts centre falls victim to pandemic.
The Midlands Arts Centre, based in Cannon Hill Park, is to keep its door closed until next year, bosses have announced.
They said the safety of staff, audiences and artists is of paramount importance. All in-house events, including courses, are cancelled. Hopefully, programmes will be re scheduled for future dates.
In a joint statement, CEO Deborah Kermode and artistic director Jonnie Turpie said that bookers will be contacted to explain refund options. If re-scheduled events are not possible, a credit will remain in individual accounts valid for two years.
The MAC is renowned not only for its wide range of arts events but as a focus for families using the adjoining outdoor space. It was re-launched recently after a major refurbishment.
The statement continues: “Mac’s earned income accounts for 85% of our annual turnover which is generated through vital revenue streams from trading, conferences and ticket sales.” This has dried up due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they explain, adding, “We cannot operate as a single service. As a business, we need all our services to be running together.”
Despite this setback, MAC’s community outreach work will remain in place. For further details visit macbirmingham.
Devastating…
I think there might be another arts-related announcement coming on Wed. Government will have to extend the furlough scheme for this sector beyond the autumn. It is all pretty desperate.
Very sad for everyone. Think it’s probably the right call though. Unless and until we have a vaccine and/or effective treatment which can stop the disease getting into its most lethal phase, we are condemned to live with masks, social distancing, sanitiser etc, etc.