HOME arts centre receives £30k grant

HOME, the Manchester centre for contemporary film, theatre and visual art, has received a £30k boost from Wates Giving, a charitable programme from the Wates Family Enterprise Trust.

The cash has allowed the centre to appoint a work-based training manager for the next two years. With the new role, HOME plans to invest more in work-based learning programmes and provide further opportunities for interns, apprentices and volunteers to develop their careers.

The application for the grant, which was supported by Wates Construction, the main contractor for the HOME centre, represents a joint effort between Wates and Manchester City Council to ensure HOME continues to provide training opportunities for young people.

Wates Construction’s North West business unit director, Tony Shenton, said: “As the main contractor behind the delivery of HOME, we have witnessed first-hand the huge benefit that has been brought to young people through opportunities for training, which will ultimately give them a leg-up to long-term employment.

“Enhancing employability is extremely important to us and we were keen to support HOME in their application to Wates Giving.”

Designed by Dutch architecture practice Mecanoo, HOME’s interior includes a 500-seat theatre, five cinema screens, a cafe bar and restaurant and gallery space.

HOME’s director and chief executive, Dave Moutrey, commented: “HOME is incredibly excited and proud to receive this substantial grant award from Wates Giving.

“It is really important to us as an organisation to provide sustainable training opportunities for young and emerging talent, and the grant is a significant contribution that will allow us to provide unique opportunities for apprentices, interns and volunteers alike.”

HOME formed part of the initial phase of Manchester’s 20-acre First Street regeneration project which is being delivered by Ask Property Developments, a partner of the city council. The scheme includes the UK’s first INNSIDE hotel, a new public square and student apartments.

Councillor Rosa Battle said: “HOME is a fantastic addition to the cultural landscape of the city but its value goes far beyond this in terms of the opportunities it presents for young people to get involved in the arts and to take advantage of the growing number of jobs in the creative arts sector.

“This grant from Wates Giving supports our aims to provide opportunities for young people to do this and is very welcome.”