arts centre survey results
Thank you for completing our survey into Hornsey Town Hall and its promised Arts Centre. We had a great response and it's interesting to read how you all feel about this space. You all feel passionate (and puzzled) about the promised Arts Centre, that's for sure. And you'd like more info about what's happening (on socials and an old-school notice board on the town hall green) so you know what's going on.
Here is a selection of your replies...
What would you like to see at HTH?
A performance space for live events, with a stage, PA and lighting. There used to be a brilliant cocktail lounge downstairs with a stage etc but this has sadly gone.
A changing Art Gallery (which has been working well), monthly events ie.Workshops, Craft/Art Fairs, Choir, Yoga, Childrens groups, Talks, Music etc - events which are clear to navigate. Be good to find ways to share a visual history of the building and why it's of architectural and cultural importance.
A proper regular programme with dance, theatre/comedy, exhibtions, cinema, workshops, for all generations – like a mini Barbican or Southbank centre
Gallery, live music, community kitchens, art club, workshops for older and disabled tenants, facepainting, art tables, homecooked goods, jams and cakes, contemporary Morris and folk dancers
A comprehensive, cohesive, regularly updated schedule / events page - the website currently reads ‘page not found’ on both of these areas.
Art gallery, performance space, space for talks, live music, spaces to run kids events like art workshops. But most areas are not usable.
It was supposed to be a Community Arts Centre but there is no evidence it is. Plus it has no facilities like lighting or PA in the hall. Plus it's cold. Hotel and work areas are up and running, but aside from the cafe, it's dead.
Art gallery. Not sure if possible, but maybe some of the spaces could be used for ballroom dance classes or Caribbean dance classes
Roof top bar to be open permanently to the public. More events and a programme of events clearly advertised.
Not so much cultural spaces but basic equipment for what is already offered, eg sound and projection equipment, tables and chairs
A notice board outside HTH and on the HTH green
Roof top bar to be open permanently to the public. More events and a programme of events clearly advertised.
What would you like to see at HTH?
The HTH theatre in constant use, ditto an art gallery, community spaces for groups and classes, all in constant use. The Crouch End Festival Chorus to perform the Messiah with the community, there are lots of singers and musicians in Crouch End who would join in a ‘scratch’ performance. I would like it to be used by local schools. HTH should be a first class example with our history and demographic. It has been restored beautifully, we now need to see it brought to life, otherwise in 30 years we will be back to where we were , a ‘has been ‘ with paint peeling and a massive waste of effort. It has to be maintained with young people at the heart, so that it grows, and a generous community spirit, so that everyone feels welcome.
Feels like the soul has been taken out of the building It needs to be more welcoming and from the outside indicate “come in, we’re open!” - Sean’s Shack is a great start (with the small a-board by the bus stop doing a lot of work!). Aside from the efforts of the volunteer organisers for the December reopening there was zero sign of Christmas, e.g some decoration on the outside of the building for even a tree by the hotel reception. A little more effort will go a long way. Lack of PA/AV system is pretty awful, either as an oversight or deliberate choice to ignore a fundamental requirement of the space. Really pleased the building is preserved, on the whole, but a lot of corners have been cut.
We tried to apply for the HALL FOR ALL programme. It was vague, very long and unnecessarily complicated. My girlfriend and are both performers and dyslexic too. It took us over an hour to fill in. Then heard nothing!!! Tried to email - nothing. Too expensive to hire!!!
Those running HTH are not interested in a community arts venue. That’s obvious from their website. They seem to be putting barriers in the way so they can say later, "no one from the community wanted to use it" rather than "we made it impossible to use." We, the artistic community, have been stitched up!!! When we moved to Crouch End it was rough but a great community arts centre, then they sold it. Why? It's just about the money. People and community are not important. We are looking to you to fight this fight and win. We are there to support you. If not there will be revolution!!!
The HTH theatre in constant use, ditto an art gallery, community spaces for groups and classes, all in constant use. The Crouch End Festival Chorus to perform the Messiah with the community, there are lots of singers and musicians in Crouch End who would join in a ‘scratch’ performance. I would like it to be used by local schools. HTH should be a first class example with our history and demographic. It has been restored beautifully, we now need to see it brought to life, otherwise in 30 years we will be back to where we were , a ‘has been ‘ with paint peeling and a massive waste of effort. It has to be maintained with young people at the heart, so that it grows, and a generous community spirit, so that everyone feels welcome.