Artz Team Open Second Community Facility

Artz for All C.I.C, a successful creativity-fuelled social enterprise based in Birch Green, Skelmersdale, have just celebrated the opening of their brand-new community resource located in Upholland. The opening of the all new “Upholland Artz Centre, Community Cafe and Library” has taken commitment, teamwork, dedication and sheer hard work from a whole host of brilliant local people, and here is the story so far…

Since 2014, the award-winning local organisation, informally known as “Artz Centre”, have worked with over 19000 people in Skelmersdale and West Lancashire, offering: regular, high-quality and affordable, creative and performing arts provision for children, young people and adults. Now, fast forward 5 years to July 2019, and director Mark Ashton has just found himself collecting the keys to a second community building. 

The building in question, the former Upholland Library building on Hall Green, has lain derelict for almost 3 years, and the transformation of this building: from a neglected and under-utilised space, into a vibrant all-new community Artz Centre, has not been without challenge. 

The Artz Team worked around the clock this summer, to lovingly restore the old building as the pillar of the community it once was, ready for the Artz Centre Upholland’s Grand Opening on 11th October. The building restoration included the recovery of the Library’s original parquet floor, the exposing of a vaulted wooden ceiling in the old “Community Room” and many other aesthetic developments. With next-to-no funding to help finance this restoration, the work was funded by the organisation’s self-generated reserves and a lot of volunteer hours, willingly offered by a brilliant team of Artz Staff, Students, Parents and members of the Public. It’s safe to say before this new-look building even opened its doors, it was in every essence, already a community-led project like no other. 

The brand new UpHolland Artz Centre now comprises a community performance studio, board and meeting room, a brand new library space and community cafe; and it is already taking big steps to fill the void that has been left in the local community after the closing of its much loved library building over 3 years ago.

The official opening of the new Upholland Artz Centre and Library was attended by upward of 70 people, comprising special guest speakers Lord Andrew Mawson and former Brigadier Ian Huntley OBE, the CEO of Well North Enterprises Lucinda McArthur, and many further local stakeholders, such as: local business owners, fellow members and leaders of third sector organisations, a selection of Artz Students and The Mayor of West Lancashire; Councillor Gaynor Owens. 

Artz Centre Founding Director, Mark Ashton, welcomed the 70+ special guests to the new community venue, commenting that: 

“After 3 months of hard work it was great to be able to finally open the curtains on our new venture. I always want to deliver quality and I believe that’s what the community of Upholland are getting. I want to thank Lord Andrew Mawson for becoming the first patron of our new library and Ian Huntley OBE for his inspirational words on community leadership. We are excited about what the future holds for our newest centre here in Upholland and urge everyone to get behind the project” 

During the official opening event, special guest Lord Andrew Mawson, was also bestowed with the privilege of becoming the very first member of the brand new Artz Library, and was presented with the first Artz Library Card. (See pictured).  

“Modern Britain going forward is not going to be about talkers, its going to be about do-ers, social entrepreneurs whop understand how these things work, people like Mark and his team here at The Artz Centre; and what a great example here in Upholland of what the future may start to look like” Lord Andrew Mawson

“What is so impressive about The Artz Centre is the culture they have created. A culture that challenges people to be the very best version of themselves they can be. A place where mediocrity simply won’t do. I believe that now more than ever, the country needs leadership at all levels from the primary schools to the very top and this is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when we get this right” 

Ian Huntley OBE – Former Head of Military Leadership (Shrivenham) 

The new look library building is now very much open for business, with the Artz Centre’s award winning Youth Theatre classes now underway for young people aged 4-18. There is also a variety of programmes at the new Upholland Artz Centre for adults, including an adult choir, knit and natter group and adult dance classes, coming soon.

For more information about what is on offer at the all new Upholland Artz Centre, email us at info@artzcentre.co.uk or call us on 01695 622 368