A new cultural hub which aims to bring “celebrated national and international artists to Lincoln” is to be officially opened to the public on Friday.
Mansions of the Future, located on St Mary’s Street, will launch later this week following support from Lincolnshire Co-Op and the Lincoln Cultural & Arts Partnership.
Professor Mary Stuart, Vice Chancellor at the University of Lincoln and chair of the Partnership, said the project is a “ground-breaking programme” for the city.
“It is fantastic that Arts Council England supports our vision. We look forward to actively engaging with the citizens of Lincoln to shape, make and participate in art works that will be shared with audiences near and far,” she said.
As well as the new centre, the project will involve work from national artists – with cultural events will be taking place across Lincoln this year and in 2019.
Harry Potter star Bonnie Wright’s short film Medusa’s Ankles will premiere in a Sincil Street hair salon later on in May, while actor Steven Berkoff will perform his play Ritual in Blood with local actors next year.
Peter Knott, Area Director at Arts Council England said the investment in Lincoln is a “really exciting opportunity” to celebrate the city “through a range of world-class artistic events”.
“Mansions of the Future will highlight Lincoln’s historic role in bringing about democracy and freedom.
“The funding is from the National Lottery, it is your money coming back into your community, and we want more people to enjoy its benefits,” he said.
The centre will officially open to the public on Friday, 11 May and will then be open every week from Thursday to Saturday, 11am to 5pm.
More information about Mansions of the Future can be found on its official website.