WAY bid - Update

The council is appointing Firestation Arts Ltd to provide arts provision in Windsor based on the former Windsor Arts Centre building in St Leonards Road.

This bid was put together by Datchet resident Dan Eastmond. He has a professional background in setting up, marketing and running clubs and entertainment venues.

Obviously we’re disappointed our bid was unsuccessful but congratulate Dan on his, the details of which we haven’t seen.

WAY is pleased that the council is supporting moves which will see the reopening of the former Windsor Arts Centre as a going concern.

Our successful public meeting in January proved there is overwhelming support in Windsor for an arts centre which:
* uses local volunteers in an active role
* assists local arts groups
* provides a programme which reaches out to all sections of the community –including young people.

The council’s bid specification spelled this out. Now we are keen to see it delivered.

Next steps for WAY

WAY will remain in existence to monitor what happens to the St Leonards Road building and make sure it becomes again a vibrant and sustainable community arts facility.

We know our intervention and campaigning has been crucial in making sure the council took seriously the need for the continuation of community arts provision in Windsor – many thanks to all our supporters for the part you played.

WAY looks forward to seeing the building reopening in September and the beginning of a new chapter in community arts provision in the town

All About WAY - Windsor Arts are Yours

What is WAY? WAY stands for Windsor Arts are Yours, a group set up following the shock closure of Windsor Arts Centre just before Christmas. WAY is  determined that the former Windsor arts centre building in St Leonard’s Road is retained for community arts provision in the town and reopened as soon as possible under a new organisation.

Who is WAY? WAY is a group of local residents and arts activists the nucleus of whom organised the party and produced a DVD to celebrate the centre’s 30th birthday in 2006.

What is WAY doing? WAY has begun talks with the council to retain the building for arts activities and to ensure the physical assets of the centre are bought and maintained in the building.
It has called a public meeting on Wednesday 30 January at 7.30 pm in Windsor Boys School to boost the campaign to reopen the former magistrate’s court and fire station as a community arts venue.  
That meeting will reveal progress so far and provide a platform for discussion on what a new centre could provide and do.

What can you do? Come to the meeting on 30 January to share ideas and aspirations.
Contact your local councillor http://www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/members_index.htm. Let them know how important it is to retain a community arts venue in Windsor and build on the successes of the former centre.

Contact WAY: Leave messages with WAY secretary Linda Chanan on
01753 866 745