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3 new reasons to visit The Forum
The Forum, Norwich’s landmark Millennium project, has unveiled a series of unique public resources and attractions, including a giant digital screen gallery, a BBC Open Studio and a state-of-the-art auditorium and performance space.
The developments mark the final stage in a series of significant changes to the building’s south side. Stage 1 of the project completed at the end of last year and welcomed the return of the Norwich Tourist Information Centre which now has improved visibility and access from the front of the building. Jarrolds, Norwich’s flagship independent store, also opened The Forum Shop by Jarrold which showcases the very best art and gifts of the region.
Following a careful planning process of over two years, the second and final stage opens to the public this week.
Over 300 people from the business, not-for-profit, community, arts and heritage sectors have already attended a series of pre-views that culminate in the official launch event on Monday 6th April. The launch will be hosted by The Forum Trust and its partners in this innovative project, BBC East and City College Norwich.
From Tuesday 7th April the visiting public will be able to experience:
Fusion – Europe’s largest permanent digital screen gallery, with free public access. Measuring an incredible 24 by 2.5 meters, the screens will play an exciting line-up of film, image and sound that changes regularly to showcase the work of artists, filmmakers, students and talented individuals and groups from around the region. It will also link into other Forum events, lending them an interesting digital dimension. Open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5.30pm, admission to Fusion is FREE.
BBC Voices and BBC Open Studio - the BBC facility where you can use BBC resources, draw on professional expertise and attend creative workshops free of charge. BBC Voices runs a series of film-making and radio workshops and works with individuals, schools and community groups. Participants could also see their work brought to life in a real TV and radio recording studio and displayed in Fusion, the digital screen gallery.
The Curve, Norwich’s only purpose-built auditorium combining state-of-the-art full high definition technology with flexible presentation, performance and screening opportunities. Versatile and contemporary, The Curve is available to hire by everyone from businesses, not for profit organisations, community groups and individuals.
These facilities are accessed via a new reception point inside The Forum.
The project, which marks the first major change to The Forum since it opened in 2001, responds to developments in new technology and demonstrates The Forum Trust’s commitment to:
Maintaining The Forum’s status as a vital community project and resource;
Preserving its appeal and relevance to people’s lives; and
Developing projects and partnerships which benefit and inspire individuals and communities.
The shared partnership objective is to make the opportunities resulting from new technology accessible so that everyone can benefit, whether economically, creatively or for their own enjoyment.
The Forum Trust, BBC East and City College Norwich will continue to work together and with new partners to keep these resources fresh, exciting and relevant. The facilities are for the community and input and participation by organisations and the public will be important for their success. How they evolve will depend on how they are used and what people want to see, learn and do there.
These new developments have been funded by the independent, self-financing charity, The Forum Trust and with grant support from the East of England Development Agency.
Notes to editors
Official quotes from the three partners in the project
Robin Hall, CEO of The Forum Trust said: “The new facilities support The Trust’s passionate belief that The Forum should continue to inspire and excite. This means continuing investment and innovation to maintain its status as a vital and relevant resource for all the community. The project is also an excellent example of what can be achieved in partnership. By working with BBC East and City College, who have enriched the enterprise with their skills, resources and expertise, we have succeeded in bringing a fresh and truly unique dimension to The Forum.”
Tim Bishop, Head of BBC East said: "We are delighted to have an opportunity to work with the other partners at The Forum to build on the work we've done in our Voices Centre. Our aim is to use the skills and expertise of the BBC to help other people tell their stories, create some powerful learning opportunities and giving a chance for people to tell their unique story in their way. We've run a wide a variety of pioneering projects with schools, individuals and groups and now want to expand that work into new areas building on the experience we've been developing in Voices."
Dick Palmer, Principal of CityCollegeNorwich said: “These improvements are great news for the people of Norwich and Norfolk, and City College Norwich is proud to be a contributing partner. Enabling innovative learning opportunities through a variety of creative and technology based delivery methods will enable City College Norwich and The Forum to become a leading edge learning provider”.
Easter Week Opening Times for Fusion
Tuesday 7th to Thursday 9th April from 10am to 5.30pm
Good Friday and Easter Monday from 10am to 4pm
Closed Sunday
Tuesday 14th to Saturday 18th from 10am to 5.30pm
Regular opening times for Fusion are Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5.30pm.
Contact Details
Fusion: 01603 727 950 or or www.theforumnorwich.co.uk
BBC Voices and BBC Open Studio: 01603 617 411, email or visit www.bbc.co.uk/norfolk/voices2005.
The Curve: 01603 727 920 or or www.theforumnorwich.co.uk