The current Art Exchange building on Gregory Boulevard was originally constructed in 1906 and has been occupied by the partnership since 1997. However, this is inadequate in terms of providing quality art space for professional artists, participatory facilities for the local communities and capacity for the partnership to develop its full potential.

 

In order to further develop the partnership, a new and vibrant multifaceted landmark facility is planned for the current Art Exchange site. Once completed, this building will provide gallery, studio, rehearsal, performance and workshop spaces, along with resource, business start-up and café facilities.

 

Over the next three financial years, the GNP will provide £534,000 of capital funding to support the development of the New Art Excange.

 

 

The aim of the Nottingham Tourism Centre Hub Development project is to create a state-of-the-art tourist information centre in Nottingham that will act as a hub for the county's network of visitor information points.

 

The refurbished Nottingham Tourism Centre will feature an enquiry centre; a retail area selling high-quality Nottinghamshire branded merchandise; internet access to provide access to the Nottinghamshire Destination Management System; a discreet call centre to handle electronic and telephone bookings; and additional publications storage space.

 

Funded in connection with East Midlands Tourism, the GNP will provide over £120,000 of capital funding for this project.

 

 

This will include additional promotional activity through the local, regional and national media; the production of bespoke marketing materials and publications; bannering and dressing across Nottingham; and online promotion through the county's new electronic Destination Management System. 

 

It is intended that during 2005/06 the following events will be supported:

 

 

During 2005/06 financial year, the GNP will provide £56,000 of revenue funding to support the delivery of this project.

 

 

These additional modules will allow integration with external agencies to provide combined ticketing, services and information for visitors; the provision of a journey planning system; the development of additional micro-sites to improve the provision of information; and the enhancement of Experience Nottinghamshire's conferencing information facility.

 

During 2005/06 the GNP will provide £87,000 of capital funding to support the further enhacement of the Nottinghamshire DMS.

 

The Nottinghamshire DMS can be viewed at www.visitnottingham.com.

 

 

During 2006 the festival will be held from 18 to 25 June and will promote high-quality professional theatre and dance for children, young people and family audiences.

 

New companies performing at the festival for the first time will include Aracaladanza from Spain and TPO from Italy, while Quebec's Cas Public will return for a second year. The festival will also feature an exhibition from the renowned Architects of Air, whose large and inflatable Luminaria structures are hugely popular.

 

In order to support the development of the ITCDF, the GNP will provide over £31,000 of funding to enable Lakeside to undertake advance key strategic and marketing activities. This will include the development of on-line ticketing, the production of marketing and promotional material and activities, and also customer care training for front-facing members of staff.

 

Further information on Lakeside Arts Centre is available at www.lakesidearts.org.uk.