Scene Change at the Gulbenkian Theatre


For today's blog I'd like to take the opportunity to talk about the Gulbenkian and some of the recent changes that have come about since September.

The Gulbenkian Theatre, a fantastic facility for students

At the University of Kent, Students are fortunate to have a theatre and cinema on campus which is owned and operated by the University this has the distinct advantage of meaning that the views, opinions and tastes of students are at the forefront of the mission of the complex. Sadly, in my opinion in my time as a student studying at the Canterbury campus the Gulbenkian has not shown evidence of these commitments in its service in the way that I would like to have seen. In the recent past a tiny proportion of the audience would be made up of students and these were either at the healthily supported stand-up comedy nights (which have always been popular among students at the Canterbury campus and surely nationwide) or by arts students who to all intents and purposes are already engaged with the world of art and culture.The Gulbenkian was failing to engage the young thirsty-minded population of students on its very doorstep which I believe is not only a missed business-opportunity but guttingly is a dis-service to students. I believe that an arts complex on a University Campus has a duty to the students that walk through; and sadly sometimes past its doors to nurture cultural engagement especially as for some individuals this may indeed be their first visit to a theatre or cinema that doesn't just show blockbuster hits and high impact West-end musicals.

T:24 Drama And Theatre society at
Canterbury Campus, Nuts of course, but we love them. 

Having been employed, studied, volunteered and performed at the Gulbenkian like I've had quite a relationship with the place over my 5 years here and so felt quite passionately when I came into office last summer that some changes were due.

At this time there was an interim manager Mary-Ann Lelean for a period of several months and I met with her to discuss some of the major issues facing successful student engagement in the Gulbenkian including; the cost of hiring the theatre for societies such as T:24 Theatre society and Kent Dance, prices of the bar, cinema and theatre, the absence of any volunteering opportunities and the lack of any student dialogue or feedback. I remember turning up to the meeting with a list of items I wanted to raise and potential battles I expected to have, Mary-Ann was also armed with a list and as she listened to my suggestions she ticket them off on her almost identical list of intended improvements. This thought Yogi Bear ... was encouraging.

"Under Construction" The New Colyer Fergusson Building

Sometime between that meeting and September I had the pleasure of meeting Alan Fox and Liz Moran the two new permanent managers of the Gulbenkian who not only shared my vision for a more student-focussed and engaging campus arts-centre but had their own exciting big ideas... and a proven track record including a successful MacRobert at the University of Stirling. Now is a time of development at the Gulbenkian with the University's new Colyer Fergusson concert hall being built next door posing a world of exciting new arts opportunities for students and the local community and a facility I am keen to get my teeth into on behalf of current and future students at Kent crying out for quality extra-curricular facilities.

New Look Film and theatre
Programmes

As part of my priority  'Gulbenkian Campaign' I have worked closely with the new team seeing cinema prices plummet to £4 for students and £3.50 for student Gulbenkian Club members and theatre prices dropping to £5 (although this is dependant on negotiation with performers.) Having seen the figures for student attendance at the Cinema, there has been impressive growth in student numbers attending. The price for hiring the theatre for performance has been set to a low flat fee for student groups making it much more accessible for putting on performance.

Tiny Furniture: Free to feedback meeting attendees 

Most excitingly, I am working with Jake Taylor (Technical Manager) to set up a six-week rolling  volunteer placement scheme which will expose students to real first hand technical, front of house and arts centre marketing which will have formative feedback and offer students a mentor as well as being fully integrated with the K.S.C.V scheme awarded by the Union and University.

Finally, the Gulbenkian will be planning its first users' meeting open to all (dependant on room capacity!) at 4pm on May 30th at the Gulbenkian which will be an opportunity to offer suggestions and brainstorm with the team for future development at the arts centre. You are welcome even if you aren't a previous user. This will be followed by a viewing of Tiny Furniture a film about what one does after completing an arts degree! (Ironic?) or the Funny side the stand-up comedy night if you Prefer.

Above, the Salsa Society Performing at Worldfest in 2011 Winning "Best Choreography"


 All in all I'm very excited about the direction that the facility is taking. Although I'm proud of what I consider has been one of my most significant successes so far this year, much credit is due to the breath of fresh air that is the staff now working there.