The Beacon Arts and Community Centre has served as a vital hub for arts and community activities in Wantage and the surrounding areas since its inception in 2014.
On Friday, May 30, a report will be presented to the Vale of White Horse District Council’s cabinet, detailing strategies to bolster the centre’s future. Councillors will review the success of the enhancements implemented over the past year and consider proposals for upcoming improvements.
In February 2024, a new action plan was introduced to ensure a sustainable and value-centric future for the centre. The Beacon aims to continue offering a diverse range of live performances, community classes, and rental opportunities.
Since launching the action plan, The Beacon has rolled out several enhancements, including National Theatre Live screenings, monthly afternoon cinema events, live music acts featuring Taylor Swift and ABBA tributes, and a Christmas sell-out family production, A Winter’s Tale.
Last month, the Wantage Literary Festival, in partnership with The Beacon, reintroduced a café. Volunteers now host ‘Brews and Books’ weekday mornings, further enriching the venue’s offerings.
Plans to revamp the centre with an investment of £285,000 aim to enhance the customer experience. Improvements will encompass alterations to the reception area layout, updates to the restrooms, and modifications to the entrance exterior.
Councillor Helen Pighills, cabinet member for community health and wellbeing, expressed enthusiasm, stating: “The Beacon is such a great venue, and we are committed to ensuring its growth and success. The pandemic took its toll, but with visitors returning and a robust program of events, The Beacon is becoming a cornerstone for community connections within Wantage.”
As part of the action plan’s second phase, the cabinet will consider approving a pathway for a new Culture, Heritage, and Creative Industries Strategy, set for adoption next summer. This strategy will collaborate with national organizations such as Arts Council England and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, offering funding opportunities to elevate the centre’s ambitions and enhance arts and culture activities throughout the region.
The council will also partner with Oxfordshire County Council’s Museums and Heritage Service to further develop the strategy. Councillor Pighills added: “These continued improvements and the new strategy highlight the importance we place on the arts and culture sector in the district both now and into the future.”
The Beacon remains committed to promoting initiatives that support users’ health and wellbeing, encouraging residents to engage actively and shape the community centre to meet their needs.
The Culture, Heritage, and Creative Industries plan represents the council’s long-term vision for 2026-2030. This ambitious strategy will harmonize efforts with South Oxfordshire District Council and Cornerstone Arts Centre to foster a thriving arts and culture environment in the region.
Explore local opportunities, create a free business profile or check out upcoming events by exploring our business directory.
