On Friday I witnessed the devastating fire that completely destroyed the Grand Hall and Lower Hall of the Battersea Arts Centre in south London – see the heartbreaking photos here.
An online appeal for rebuilding funds has now been set up by David Jubb, the Centre’s Artistic Director:
On Friday 13th March a major fire at Battersea Arts Centre destroyed our Grand Hall and Lower Hall, spaces that have been shared and enjoyed for 120 years and housed so much of our work to serve our local community, artists and audiences.
Thanks to the brilliant work by the team, artists and emergency services, the front half of our building was saved and re-opened within 24 hours.
Now, we start the next chapter: getting our programme back on, working through the next 12 months and rebuilding our home brick by brick. The front of our building is open but we have lost our offices, equipment and Grand Hall theatre and must create an entirely new working model for the immediate future.
Your support in achieving this, at whatever level, is so valuable. We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and generosity and cannot thank you enough for being a part of this.
Our rise from the ashes is unfolding hour by hour, and we will keep you updated on the front page of www.bac.org.uk, or follow us on Twitter @battersea_arts or @davidjubb. If you can support in any other way, please do email me at davidj@bac.org.uk.
David Jubb, Artistic Director
[Before the fire: The Grand Hall]
The fire has already prompted the community into what Jubb has described as an “extraordinary response,” and the main building has already reopened (although the Grand Hall is completely lost, two thirds of the Arts Centre survived the inferno).
Discuss the fire and rebuilding on the our forums.
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