Council cuts take further casualties on Manchester's art scene

By Alex Johnston

Manchester’s Greenroom arts centre is to close next month, following its failure to secure government funding.

The Whitworth Street centre, which houses a 200-seat theatre, was not included on Arts Council England’s 85-strong portfolio of supported arts organisations in the north-west.

Greenroom will close to the public at the end of May, as it is unlikely that any immediate funding options will become available.

A spokesman said: “We would like to have continued but are unable to do this without confirmed funding or alternative income going forward.”

The centre is keen to ensure that their work in helping establish performers is continued, despite closing down.

Greenroom said: “Our aim is to ensure that this important work continues through other organisations and individual artists/ artist companies, producers and promoters.

“Greenroom, since its inception, has been at the forefront of discovering and pioneering Manchester, national and international ‘firsts’,” he added.

It is understood that the Arts Council is working closely with Greenroom to ensure a future for these performers.

Greenroom, which opened in 1983, offered performers a space in which to rehearse and devise, as well as staging a number of free workshops for young people.

In contrast to the Palace Theatre, which looms near it, Greenroom prized itself on showcasing new work, by young and unknown performance groups.