Kirklees Together

A new creative centre for music, art and film could be opened in Dewsbury.

What’s it all about?

Proposals for 15 Union Street, Dewsbury would see one of our vacant buildings used for music rehearsal rooms, artist studios, and gallery and event space in a centre run by the creative community for a 12-month period.

The creative hub, which would be run on a voluntary, not-for-profit basis, has been envisioned by local creatives James Lee and Pete Davies.

Why is it important?

James is the owner of Shove It Up Your Cult Record shop on Daisy Hill and record label Shoveitupyourculture Media. He says the local art and music scene is desperately lacking any central hub where artists and musicians can work, socialise and collaborate.

Pete is a photographer, artist and musician whose music has been released by record labels from USA, Canada, Germany and Poland. Having been involved in putting on various music and art events for 30 years, he will support the inter-disciplinary arts programming.

New Picture House – Dewsbury’s not-for-profit, volunteer led community cinema is looking for new premises and plan to run a diverse programme of feature and short films within the building throughout the year.

A number of bands have already committed to take on a rehearsal rooms, and will support in delivering live shows in the building.

What will be happening?

Over a 12-month period the centre would host a series of creative events, including monthly art exhibitions within the ground floor gallery space, and when the second floor is ready, this will be used for larger exhibitions.

As well as music events, the centre could also host monthly performance poetry events and comedy nights.

Planning permission is required before the project can go ahead. A date for the application to go before Planning Committee is to be confirmed.

Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet member for Corporate Services, said:

“Kirklees has such a rich cultural and arts heritage and we’re really committed to celebrating this.

We’re also enthusiastic about supporting creative people in Kirklees to showcase their talents and to fulfil their potential. This project would strongly support this and would provide people in Dewsbury and surrounding areas with somewhere they can be creative surrounded by like-minded people.

This is a fantastic opportunity to make great use of a building which is currently unused and supports our regeneration ambitions for Dewsbury.

This project is a great example of how, by working with partners and using our places we can make a real difference for our people, I am sure this project will make a real difference to the residents of Dewsbury and the surrounding areas and am pleased to be associated with it. “

James Lee said:

“We are hoping to build a central hub for the ever growing creative scene here in Dewsbury. The events will include all aspects of creativity including art exhibitions, art fairs, music and performance. We also aim to provide workshop space for growing artists and musicians, to help build a healthy collaborative environment.”