Vision & Mission

STARTS is a company limited by guarantee and a charity which aims to promote the development of the arts in St. Albans and the surrounding area.

STARTS foresees the creation of an architecturally iconic, multi-purpose arts centre in the middle of the city with substantial galleries, a flexible 1200 seat theatre/concert venue which will attract major touring companies, a warm and welcoming 400 seat studio space for smaller events, a cinema and other arts facilities according to researched needs. A vibrant programme of theatre, music, dance, popular shows, community events, opera, visual art, courses and workshops will act as a compelling magnet for the millions of people who live within the vicinity.

STARTS envisages the area surrounding the centre as being rich in culture of all kinds. There will be attractive eating places and arts-related retail outlets. With a retractable roof, the central piazza will host festivals, fairs and street performances all year round. By 2020 St. Albans will be transformed into a city of great cultural interest and beauty, a centre of excellence for all the arts.

Achievements by STARTS since its inception include:

•securing a ‘start-up’ grant from the ‘Awards for All’ lottery-fund

•enlisting very substantial support from individuals and organisations.

•promoting several major arts events

•initiating on-going series of arts events which are now self-sustaining

•initiating a very successful ongoing series of comedy events

•organising forums and workshops for artists

•working with schoolchildren

•organsing ‘taster’ events to encourage wider participation in the arts

•creating a substantial web site with a comprehensive events listings service

•producing a regular newsletter

•opening a temporary art gallery.