Derby arts venue continues to battle financial difficulties

Derby arts venue Quad is still facing “serious financial difficulty” and has said it needs to restructure to remain sustainable.

In 2023, the Bosses at Derby-based arts centre QUAD asked the City Council for a loan of £150,000 to help it get through a drop in footfall.

However, Quad’s financial problems persist. The venue, which hosts films, exhibitions, talks, and other cultural events, noted that the ongoing impact of Covid-19, reduced audience numbers post-pandemic, and the cost-of-living crisis have all contributed to its challenges.

The board, with support from Derby City Council, Arts Council England, the British Film Institute and other stakeholders, are exploring ways to sustain the charity.

Mark Gregory, QUAD chair of the board of trustees said: “For the last fifteen years, QUAD has been an integral part of Derby, along with our fellow cultural venues. A vibrant cultural offering is a key enabler of the regeneration of the City and QUAD must be part of that. However, it is time for us to transform to do that sustainably.

“We will continue to work with our funders and stakeholders to seek out options to move forward and, really importantly, care for our people in any way we can during this difficult time.”