In the 21st century, Manchester has not only many industrial heritage objects but also plenty of cultural sites. They are popular among both residents and visitors to the city. One of them is the HOME theatre complex. In particular, this institution is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation. HOME includes five cinemas, two theatres and a small gallery. Such a complex is one of the few in Great Britain. Learn more about its history, foundation and development at manchester-trend.
Establishment of Manchester’s HOME complex
The HOME theatre complex is quite young. In particular, this cultural institution was formed in 2015 as a result of the merger of two local art organisations, Cornerhouse and the Library Theatre Company.
The implementation of this project was funded by the Manchester city budget, the Garfield Weston Foundation and the Arts Council England. First of all, this complex was built to provide social benefits for residents and guests of the city.
It was solemnly opened in 2015 on First Street in Manchester. The complex has two performance venues. One of them is a 500-seat theatre and the second one is a small studio with 150 seats. The centre also became the home for the Library Theatre troupe of the Manchester Central Library. For a long time, the troupe didn’t have its home stage, so it had to perform at The Lowry in Salford. The troupe became part of the HOME theatre complex even before its opening in 2014. In 2015, the theatre troupe completely moved to the newly created arts centre on First Street.
In addition to theatre halls, HOME has a gallery for the demonstration of modern art. There is also a café-bar and a restaurant for refreshments during intermissions.
HOME is not just an art centre, it is a huge complex that includes five cinemas, two theatres and a gallery with an area of more than 5,400 sq ft. In the 21st century, such a modern cultural institution is very important for ensuring the social benefit of the public. In addition, it is one of the few cultural institutions in the UK to commission, produce and present works in the film, theatre and visual arts industries.
Features of the HOME complex
As you could understand, the HOME complex provides various types of art activities, which makes it unique. So, as of 2019, the arts centre has become one of the most popular cultural institutions and attractions in Manchester. In the same year, HOME had more than 900,000 visitors, including local residents and tourists. The complex with its various cinematic theatrical and artistic programs attracts visitors of all ages. Moreover, it was included in the top 500 best experiences in the UK as “one of Britain’s best arts centres”. In 2021, HOME was included in the top 10 Best Cinemas in the UK and Ireland according to the TimeOut magazine.
HOME’s annual events are vibrant and varied. There are over 10,000 of them, including
- 6,500 movie screenings
- 350 theatre performances
- 20 exhibitions of modern art
- and 3,500 local talents promotion activities.
On average, more than 650,000 people visit Manchester’s HOME complex in just one year. Such a high attendance only confirms the fact that the arts centre is an incredibly popular, modern and sought-after place for cultural pastime among city residents and tourists alike.
Should you visit the HOME complex in Manchester?
You should definitely visit HOME in Manchester. The time spent in the art centre will be full of positive emotions. Here, you can watch performances by famous actors and theatre troupes, world-famous performances, new movies and modern art exhibitions. In between, visitors can have a delicious refreshment in a cafe or restaurant.
In addition, the HOME centre cooperates with international and British artists. Together they create unique works of art, including drama, dance, film and contemporary visual art. It pays special attention to the city of Manchester, international work, new projects, education, non-formal learning and promotion of local talent.
HOME is not just an arts centre, it also hosts a number of educational environmental events for its staff and visitors. In particular, here, you can learn more about ways to reduce your impact on the environment. Thanks to its environmental responsibility, Manchester’s complex received an award for “promotion of environmental sustainability” at the Manchester Culture Awards ceremony in 2019.
