RAISE

The National Centre for Disability Arts and Social Inclusion will open in 2011
as a place dedicated to education, innovation and excellence in the arts for disabled people and socially excluded groups. As a centre for emerging and established artists seeking ongoing professional development, training and support, its scope, philosophy and facilities will make it the first of its kind in the country.

Artist's impression of the Dining Hall and Main Entrance from the Car Park

The new centre will extend and develop the beautiful old school site run by Theatre Resource at Great Stony in Chipping Ongar, Essex, retaining its distinctive character and remaining sensitive to its setting and landscape, whilst embracing the best practice in architectural, access and environmental design. Its new facilities will include:

• A studio theatre for the presentation of work produced at the centre and by visiting artists and companies
• A fully-accessible training kitchen for disabled people with dining area
• Overnight accommodation facilities with twenty-five fully accessible rooms
• A supported housing unit containing nine flats for residential students with disabilities
• Creative and technical workshop spaces for artistic, educational and community use
• Extended administrative space for staff
• A healthy information, advice and guidance resource and exhibition space
• A gallery and shop, displaying and selling work by centre users
• A landscaped site with relaxation courtyard, mezzanine walkways and sensory garden

Artist's impression of the Entrance Hall and Exhibition Area

Artistic Excellence and Inclusive Practice

The new centre will extend and enhance Theatre Resource’s commitment to artistic excellence and inclusive practice. Its work will be relevant, challenging and engaging, featuring several new elements:

• A BA degree programme in Theatre and Disability taught in partnership with Anglia Ruskin University, the first of its kind in the country.
• A range of vocational training provision such as a training kitchen serving the dining hall and café providing catering experience and qualifications for disabled students.
• Residential courses and projects, enabling more intensive, supported and sophisticated delivery of arts programmes to take place
• A fully fitted theatre/multi-purpose studio for the exhibition and presentation of work produced at the centre and by visiting artists and companies

Artist's impression of one of the bedrooms in the Residential Centre

Building Work Begins in Autumn 2009

We now have planning permission and building will start in Autumn 2009.

Dedication to the highest possible standards in design, functionality and access will make the centre a beacon of the way that future developments should be built and managed, ensuring pride to all those associated with the centre.

Theatre Resource already has commitments of approximately £4.4 million towards this multi-million pound scheme. With your help we can reach the remaining target and make this the world class facility our beneficiaries deserve.

Click here to donate to: RAISE – Theatre Resource’s Capital Appeal
More information about the new centre is here
If you would like more information about the development please contact us

Theatre Resource acknowledges the funding and support of Future Builders , Essex County Council , East of England Development Agency, The Rayne Foundation and The 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust on this project.

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