Danny Boyle to be Patron of HOME

Danny Boyle was today announced as a Patron of HOME, our new cultural hub and social space for Manchester, opening in Spring 2015, which will produce and present an ambitious programme of bold contemporary visual art, theatre and film.

Acclaimed filmmaker and architect of Britain’s spectacular Olympics opening ceremony, Danny Boyle is proud of his Northern roots, and has been a Patron of Cornerhouse since 1986. Cornerhouse, together with the Library Theatre Company, have merged to form HOME.

“To have this wonderful expansion of arts facilities outside London, especially at a time of sustained pressure on arts funding, is such a shock.  But it’s what you would expect from a visionary city. HOME will stand as a compliment to the vision of the arts institutions in Manchester and of Manchester City Council. Their faith in the power of the arts to transform lives and the economy is impossible not to support” comments Boyle

Boyle praises the far-sightedness of Manchester City council and Arts Council England in funding HOME, and emphasises the sound economic thinking behind it.

“We’re not going to lead the industrial world anymore and that world now looks to us for our arts and culture. The world is inspired by our creativity and one effect of that can be an extraordinary economic benefit. What Manchester is known for now is football and music. But what it will be known for in twenty years could be film or theatre. HOME ensures that the next generation has a facility in which they can express themselves.”

Dave Moutrey, Chief Executive of HOME comments,

“I’m delighted that Danny has agreed to be a Patron of HOME. He is a supreme example of British creativity. He is an inspiration to the artists we are working with in theatre, film and visual arts and is a fantastic advocate for audiences and the importance of supporting the creation and production of the arts.”

Councillor Rosa Battle, Executive Member for Culture and Leisure for Manchester City Council, said: “Danny Boyle perfectly encapsulates the energy and creative spirit of HOME. We’re proud that he recognises Manchester’s commitment to culture as a crucial element of a thriving city.”

Our new purpose-built centre has been designed by Dutch architects Mecanoo and built by Wates Construction, and features a 500-seat theatre; a 150-seat flexible theatre; a 500m2, 4m high gallery space; five cinema screens; digital production and broadcast facilities; a café bar and restaurant.

Manchester City Council has committed £19 million to fund the creation of HOME. The overall budget for the project is £25 million, with the remaining £6 million to be met by a combination of the Arts Council England funding and fundraising. £250,000 has already been contributed by the Garfield Weston Foundation and a development campaign to generate further support from the private sector, trusts and foundations is in progress.

HOME is the newest high profile addition to Manchester’s renowned cultural scene and will be a keystone in the city’s tourism offer. With its own unique place within the cultural landscape it is predicted to receive more than 500,000 visits per year.

HOME is the cultural heart of First Street North, the first phase of the £500m First Street regeneration project that covers 20 acres in total. The development, located five minutes walk from Oxford Road Station off Whitworth Street West, is being brought forward by Ask Property Developments, Manchester City Council’s development partner for the project. It will act as a magnet for investment and job creation and is estimated to create 11,000 jobs.