Save Our Arts Heritage by Sophie Cox-O'Shaughnessy

Arts Heritage rules OK

c. S. Cox-O'Shaughnessy 2019 (2006)

Here I am performing 'Dea Ex Machina'.  This is a snapshot photo of a Dance piece I choreographed and performed to one of Phillip Glass's Dancepieces.  This, I performed in the Avenham Theatre (in the Harris Institute building) directly opposite Avenham Park in Preston Lancashire.  

It was an assessed piece, whilst also open to the public, in a complete Theatre/Show going ambience experience (as part of my Degree studies). 

The Theatre, which is set at the rear of the building has such character.  The seating is teared and resembles Christian Church pews complete with the panel in front of you, that you can lean forward on, all adjoined.  (Obviously there isn't a cushioned lower panel to kneel on.)  [I remember this well, as I scattered rose petals along this panel as part of the preparation for the set for another piece I presented to a live audience when one of my Teachers said that we could create a piece of theatre/dance etc, that wouldn't be assessed, though just for us to create and perform work, if we wanted, and I chose to.  (This was dance, music, singing and visual art that I revealed during the piece that I had made (mixed media).]  The stage is one level at door entrance level and panel/screens can be used for wings.  
For people not accustomed to theatre speak - 'wings' are part of the stage, but offstage, on either side of the stage and out of sight of the audience.
Then there is also space for the sound and lighting desk at the rear and at the top of the auditorium.  The flooring has capacity for dance flooring.
It's cute because it is a small Theatre, but fully functioning.
The other rooms are set as classrooms and there is a large dance studio complete with bars and mirrors and dance studio flooring.  The windows are high, so the space can let the light in, though provide excellent concentration/study conditions as no distractions from outside.
I should add there are two staircases that join on a landing and then go up again another set of two staircases - very novel and ornate.

At least, this was how it was in 2006.

Here I am on one of the pillars in front of the Avenham (Harris Institute) building today:

23/10/2019

I recently read an article by Blog Preston on 'Decaying Harris Institute remains on 'at risk' register'.  This inspired me to write, in support of it, this particular article.  See here for the article:

https://www.blogpreston.co.uk/2019/10/decaying-harris-institute-sees-price-dropped-as-it-keeps-at-risk-status/?fbclid=IwAR0qwxRKKFxHOri7MCw3QQ04klA9EVQxAhn2b68XQm6-gFFMGrxjPcusM9s

The Harris Institute building is central to Preston.  No, it's not on the High St (Fishergate) or slap bang right in the middle of the town ie. Friargate.  It is proportionally across the way from the Harris (Museum and Library), that is in the town centre.  It is in its own place.  

In my opinion, if successfully restored, it would only compliment other arts venues such as Preston Playhouse, the Media Factory (UCLan) and maybe the building beside The Guild Hall/Charter Theatre (sadly not in in use anymore), that I hear there is talks of turning into a music venue.  Incidently, I have volunteered as a Stage Hand for Preston Playhouse and also worked as an Usherette in The Guild Hall and Charter Theatre (2015).

Preston is a city now.  People walk and meander around cities.  Talking of walks, there is a most beautiful, pleasant promenade - officially called Walk directly opposite the building.  Originally it was known as a promenade.  

23/10/2019

Take a look at this link for more on Avenham Walk's origin:

https://www.parksandgardens.org/places/avenham-walk

I would dearly love to see the cute little Theatre in the Avenham building (The Harris Institute) restored.  Even, the large dance studio. It would be a fantastic project for an investor and/or Arts Council/Lottery Arts Funding.

I sincerely hope this article inspires any potential investor to consider being able to contribute to saving our arts culture here in the UK.

I personally would be willing to provide tuition and/or performances in the performing arts for anyone seriously considering reinstating the listed building's potentially impressive business for the arts and people of Preston and can be approached by email/phone to discuss any ideas.  See here, Contact, for more:

https://handeldoesit.blogspot.com/2016/10/performance-artistteacher-miss-sophie.html

I could write more, and go on and on, writing this Blog article, as I feel there is much more to say, however, there are people who have jobs who write bids for funding.

I write a Blog both to support myself as an Artist, and as a hobby and as such it is unpaid and you know what they say, time is money.

Photos c. S.Cox-O'Shaughnessy 2019