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A suitable showcase for the arts?
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That, of course, would be a very superficial reading of an idea that has just been floated by Education Minister James Reed. Whereas Deputy Reed is undoubtedly walking into a minefield because of his parallel proposal to cut States support for private schools, he could be on far safer ground as far as his arts plans are concerned.
This is because the sale of venues such as St James and the Arts Centre in Phillips Street would be used to finance an entirely new centre, described as ‘a flagship cultural complex’. As well as having performance spaces and music rooms, the envisaged development could also be the home of the much talked about national gallery.
There is much to commend a single facility of this nature. As well as having a purpose-built shell and interior spaces, it would be a focal point for cultural life in the Island. It might also serve to broaden the interests of its visitors, who might go to see a play only to discover the rewards of the visual arts after taking a stroll through the gallery.
However, there is likely to be nostalgic resistance to the idea that the days of the Arts Centre may be numbered. Although it is questionable whether St James – in effect its branch office – has ever worked particularly well, the Arts Centre occupies a special place in many Islanders’ hearts. In addition to entertaining countless people and playing host to such a diverse range of performers and performances, it has an important educative function. Its bar and café, meanwhile, are important in the social life of the Island.
That said, the present centre should not be regarded as irreplaceable. Letting go of what amounts to an old and trusted friend might, in this case, lead to the creation of a new centre which could achieve even higher levels of popularity.
It is clear that Deputy Reed’s proposal is just that, and not a definite plan of action. It is also clear that the present economic circumstances might not be the most favourable for such major change. In spite of this, the broad idea of centralising cultural facilities certainly has merit.
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