Café closes at Salisbury Arts Centre as a result of "prevailing economic conditions"

Friday, 21 October 2022 01:00

The café at Salisbury Arts Centre has been forced to close as a result of the current economic conditions and the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The local arts organisation, says that due to prevailing economic conditions, they have had to review the viability of all its activities.

In a statement released today, Wiltshire Creative said, "For the foreseeable future, the café at Salisbury Arts Centre will cease its current operations effective as of Monday 31st October 2022. In addition, the regular displays of visual arts and some classes will also be suspended."

All live performances at Salisbury Arts Centre will be unaffected by these changes, and the bar will continue to operate as normal.

Executive Director of Wiltshire Creative, Sebastian Warrack said, “No one wants to take decisions of this nature. However, these are necessary to ensure that Wiltshire Creative remains a resource for everyone now, and for generations to come.”

Wiltshire Creative, which is a registered charity, was formed from a merger in February 2018, combining the artistic outputs of Salisbury Playhouse, Salisbury International Arts Festival and Salisbury Arts Centre - creating a cross-platform arts hub for the region.

Since its creation, the company has faced a series of challenges – first the two Novichok incidents in March and June 2018, then the global pandemic.

The arts organisation say, "The combined impact has had a negative effect on audience attendance across the organisation, putting significant pressure on financial revenue."

For the latest local news in Salisbury like Love Salisbury on Facebook or tune into Salisbury Radio on DAB or online.

More from Local News

Shops to stay open for 'Festive Shopping' evening

Shops will open until 7 p.m. on Thursday, December 5th, for an evening of festive shopping in Salisbury, the City of the Stars, this Christmas.
A step towards a safer community as Speedwatch group gets underway

Laverstock & Ford Parish Council saw their inaugural Community Speedwatch get underway this month after some initial setbacks.
Trainee teacher takes part in prestigious Lord Mayor’s Show in London to raise awareness of liver disease

A trainee teacher and marathon runner who is waiting for a liver transplant, was a special guest at the Lord Mayor’s Show in London last Saturday, representing the British Liver Trust, the UK’s leading liver health charity.
Residents encouraged to ‘Ask the Leader’ at event in Amesbury

Wiltshire Council is continuing to host its series of community events across the county where people can ask questions to find out more about the work of the council, with the Leader of the Council having visited 16 of Wiltshire’s 18 community areas so far.
Three men arrested in connection with van break-in series

Wiltshire Police have arrested three people in connection with an investigation into thefts from vans across the county, during which thousands of pounds worth of power tools have been stolen.
Wiltshire Council working hard to reduce overspend

Wiltshire Council has provided its second formal update of the 2024/25 financial year, which shows its previously forecasted overspending has reduced significantly.
Wiltshire's recycling collection to change from 2027

Wiltshire Council’s Cabinet has agreed its future approach to collecting recycling when its current contracts to carry out this service come to an end in 2026.
Salisbury based trains fitted with new anti-slip tech

A new initiative between Network Rail and South Western Railway has more than doubled the number of trains treating the railway and keeping the tracks leaf-free this Autumn.