Trustees announced for Scala, Worcester’s new arts centre
- Trustees announced today for Scala, Worcester’s new arts centre.
- Appointees bring a wealth of knowledge from across the cultural and local government sectors locally, regionally and nationally.
- Keep up to date on Scala’s development here: https://www.scalaworcester.co.uk/
Worcester City Council and Scala’s Interim Creative Directors, Hannah Phillips and Kitty Ross are today announcing five founding Trustees for Scala, Worcester’s new arts centre.
Bringing a wealth of knowledge from across the cultural and local government sector regionally and nationally, the Trustees will support the team in establishing Scala as a new Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) and help drive the programme for when the new centre opens in 2026.
The new Trustees are Ian Archer, Chief Executive and Artistic Director of The Courtyard, who will take on the role of Chair; Anne Brereton who brings a wealth of experience of local government; Gaynor Cheshire former CEO of Birmingham Ormiston Academy; Sipho Eric Ndlovu, a West Midlands based performance artist and current Poet Laureate of the University of Sheffield Social Sciences; and Deborah Rees, Director of Cast, Doncaster’s flagship theatre. The Trustees have close connections to Worcester with all based in the local area.
Cllr Lyn Denham, Leader of Worcester City Council said: “We are delighted to announce these amazing leaders as Trustees for the Scala, Worcester’s new arts centre. Collectively, they bring remarkable creative talent and leadership skills. It is a testament to the scale of the Scala project that we can attract such experienced talent. The Trustees are all committed to this exciting new opportunity for our city, and to combining their skills with those of the Interim Creative Directors Hannah Phillips and Kitty Ross.”
Ian Archer, Chair of the Scala Board of Trustees said: “My fellow Trustees and I are thrilled to be able to support the creation of a space for Worcester that promises to be inclusive, diverse and accessible. Worcester deserves a place where people can be creative, be community driven and have a platform for their creativity as well as building and adding to the heritage and current cultural offer in Worcester.”
Hannah Phillips and Kitty Ross, Interim Creative Directors for Scala added their welcome: “Individually our new Trustees each bring knowledge and expertise that will be invaluable as we continue to shape the vision for Scala and deliver the business plan. Collectively they will have a huge impact on our ambitions to deliver a creative destination in Worcester and we look forward to working with them.”
Currently under construction in Worcester’s city centre, Scala will be a place where people can come together to enjoy, imagine, and cultivate a more creative future for the city. Opening in 2026, Scala will offer live performance, independent film, music, talks, digital experiences, dance, workshops, exhibitions, festivals and special events.
Once the new organisation is established, Scala will be recruiting for more trustees and engaging with a wider range of stakeholders to support the work already underway by the Scala leadership team and the Council.
Keep up to date with via https://www.scalaworcester.co.uk/ or follow on Instagram and Facebook @scalaworcester
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A celebration of partnership: Worcester Safe Space wins national award
A celebration of partnership: Worcester Safe Space wins national award
Worcester BID is thrilled to announce that its Worcester Safe Space initiative has won the national award for ‘Best Social and Community Contribution Scheme’ at the Association of Town & City Management (ATCM) Awards, held last night in Bradford.
The award recognises the strength of Worcester’s citywide partnership and celebrates the Worcester Safe Space initiative as a true showstopper in innovative city safety, playing a key role in supporting the city’s Purple Flag accreditation.
This achievement would not have been possible without the ongoing collaboration and support of our valued partners, including West Mercia PCC John Campion, West Mercia Police, Worcester Street Pastors, Worcester City Council, Public Health, Lightbox, University of Worcester and Maggs.
“This win is a celebration of true partnership. Safe Space is only possible because of the unwavering support and collaboration from our city partners. Together, we’ve transformed how care and safety is delivered in Worcester’s night-time and daytime economy.” – Sam McCarthy, CEO of Worcester BID.
Launched in December 2023, Worcester Safe Space offers a supportive, non-judgmental environment for individuals during nights out and, more recently, daytime hours. In its first year, Worcester Safe Space has supported 2,629 medical incidents, all on just 104 operational nights (Friday and Saturday evenings only). This equates to an average of 25 people helped per night, significantly easing pressure on emergency services and providing fast, compassionate care exactly where and when it’s needed most.
Richard Nash from RTN Medical said, “I was overjoyed when Worcester BID approached me to help deliver the Safe Space service. Being able to provide immediate care, de-escalate risk, and support vulnerable individuals in a safe and non-judgmental environment makes a real difference. Winning this national award is a fantastic recognition of the hard work that’s gone into building this service, and we’re incredibly proud to be part of such a committed partnership working to improve safety across Worcester.”
As the initiative garners national attention, Worcester BID is determined to ensure its future. With initial funding ending in December 2025, a fundraising campaign is now underway to sustain and grow the Safe Space beyond the end of this year.
The BID is calling on the Worcester community, including residents, businesses, and supporters to help secure the future of Safe Space through donations, fundraising events, and local sponsorship.
To find out more or get involved, please contact info@worcesterbid.com