A brand-new community space for Croydon, John Whitgift Foundation Community Cube, has opened at Fairfield Halls.
The Cube is a new addition to Fairfield Halls and has been sponsored by the John Whitgift Foundation, a local education and care charity.
The glass-fronted space at the front of the newly revamped arts centre will play host to all manner of community events and activities throughout the year, as well as being available to hire by individuals and groups.
The Foundation also plans to put on a programme of free activities for the public including a dementia choir, exhibitions, workshops for local school children and musical performances.
The partnership with Fairfield Halls coincides with a major brand launch for the John Whitgift Foundation where the charity has changed its brand identity to a modern and striking look and feel.
The Cube exterior glass panels and interior walls have been adorned with the Foundation’s new brand including its new vision – to support people of all ages and backgrounds and bring them together to inspire a sense of community in all that it does.
John Whitgift Foundation’s name is in recognition of its Founder, Archbishop John Whitgift, who established the charity more than 420 years ago in 1596 under Queen Elizabeth I’s reign.
Martin Corney, Chief Executive, John Whitgift Foundation, said:
“We are thrilled to partner with Fairfield Halls on this new and exciting community space which will carry our bright and bold new brand for the John Whitgift Foundation. Our schools, care homes and carer support services are excited to put on a range of events and activities for the community to enjoy and we look forward to seeing it become a place where local people can meet socially, improve their health and wellbeing, and take advantage of the varied selection of activities on offer.”
Councillor Oliver Lewis, cabinet member for culture leisure and sport, said:
“Through our multi-million pound refurbishment of Fairfield Halls, we wanted to restore the venue to its former glory but most importantly, to create an arts centre that is at the heart of our local community. We are delighted that the John Whitgift Foundation are supporting this work through this new partnership with our operators BH Live.”
Neil Chandler, Venue & Artistic Director, Fairfield Halls, said:
“We are thrilled to have the John Whitgift Foundation on board as a key partner for this fantastic new space. We’ll also be opening the all-day Cube Café bar and look forward to welcoming the community into both spaces.”
The identity and branding of the Cube were undertaken by design agency, tothepoint. Managing Director Simon Hutton, a John Whitgift Foundation alumnus, said:
“This was an amazing project to be involved in. We’ve been able to bring the brand to life in this great space, helping to promote all the different ways in which the John Whitgift Foundation serves its community.”
Notes to Editors
About Fairfield Halls
At the completion of a multi-million-pound development, Fairfield Halls formally reopened on Monday 16 September 2019.
It is now one of the biggest arts centres in the UK, the largest in South London, and the largest multi-disciplinary arts and entertainment space in South London and the South East.
Its first season runs until March 2020 and includes an eclectic mix of theatre, music, comedy and family entertainment in the 809-seat Ashcroft Playhouse, the world-class 1,802-seat Phoenix Concert Hall, and in spaces across the building, including the Arnhem Foyer – an aspirational community hub with a free programme of events and exhibitions.
New spaces including The Recreational (750-capacity standing live music venue), the Savvy Studio, Talawa Studio, John Whitgift Community Cube, Business Lounge and Terrace Bistro.
With a long and distinguished history, Fairfield Halls is at the heart of Croydon’s new cultural quarter. Talawa, the UK’s primary Black led touring theatre company, the award-winning and inclusive Savvy Theatre Company, and London Mozart Players are companies in residence at the venue.
Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother opened the Fairfield Halls on Friday 2 November 1962. The inaugural concert in the Phoenix Concert Hall was performed by the BBC Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sir Malcolm Sargent, with renowned soloist Yehudi Menuhin also performing.
The Ashcroft Playhouse (formerly Ashcroft Theatre) was opened on 5 November by Croydon-born Dame Peggy Ashcroft, with the opening ceremony including a monologue by Sir John Betjeman called ‘Local Girl Made Good’. The first play performed was Royal Gambit, starring Dulcie Gray.
The Arnhem Foyer is named after Croydon’s twin-town of Arnhem in Holland.
About BH Live
Fairfield Halls is managed by BH Live in partnership with Croydon Council.
BH Live is a social enterprise and leading operator of leisure and event venues.
For more visit bhlive.org.uk.
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John Whitgift Foundation
For further information about the John Whitgift Foundation, please contact Catherine Shirley, Head of Marketing and Communications: catherineshirley@johnwhitgiftfoundation.org
Tel: 020 8256 1579
www.johnwhitgiftfoundation.co.uk
Twitter: @1596Whitgift
Facebook @johnwhitgiftfoundation