The Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal

• The Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal is housed in a 150 year old Grade II listed former brewery, set within a landscaped garden. First developed as an Arts Centre in 1972, today it is a multi-purpose arts complex offering a programme of theatre, dance, comedy, music, films, lectures and exhibitions, as well as a range of participatory activities
• The Centre aims to provide the opportunity to all in its immediate and wider community to access a balanced and diverse programme of artistic and educational activity across all art forms. It constantly strives to develop audiences, participants and artists and to encourage more people to engage with its work and the arts at every level
• Facilities include the 350 seat Malt Room for music and comedy events; a 260 capacity Theatre; two cinema screens; a number of gallery spaces; art and crafts workshops; darkroom facilities; a playgroup and meeting rooms; as well as bars and restaurants
• Courses for adults include stained glass, jewellery and creative writing, and over 500 young people per week attend classes in drama, dance, music and visual arts
• The centre hosts international festivals such as the Gateway festival of global roots music; Mintfest - the Kendal International Festival of Street Arts; the Kendal Mountain Film Festival and the Women’s Arts International Festival

When?

• The Brewery has developed over 36 years from a small theatre and community arts centre to now encompass two main performance venues, a studio space, galleries, art rooms and two cinema screens as well as bars and restaurants

How?

• The Centre is supported by funding from a wide range of investors, including the Arts Council England; South Lakeland District Council; Cumbria County Council; North West Vision, and the Brewery Arts Centre Endowment Trust. It also carries out a range of fundraising activity, including a Patrons scheme and offers sponsorship opportunities to local businesses
• The key capital investment in recent years has been the lottery funded cinema complex
• The Brewery is currently in negotiation with a number of partner organisations to realise an ambitious £25 million redevelopment scheme to double the size of the Brewery site and create a Creative Arts Campus in partnership with Kendal College

Summary

• There are around 300,000 visits to the Brewery each year, over a third from residents of Kendal
• This means around 200,000 visitors to the town each year, who often incorporate a visit into the town centre or to alternative bars and restaurants in town
• Over 40,000 visits are from outside the area generating overnight stays with Kendal and the surrounding areas
• Events such as the Women’s Arts International festival attract additional visitors as well as a national media profile and inward investment of £250,000
• The Brewery is also the main host venue for and partner with the Kendal Mountain Film and Book Festivals that bring thousands of visitors to the town in the middle of November. This event is the second largest event of its kind in the world and the third largest film festival of any kind in the UK
• The Brewery is also a notable employer in Kendal, with 70 full time employees