A project to bring art and theatre performance to empty shop units in the centre of Bath has got underway thanks to a new partnership.
Bath Spa University’s art exhibition | Photo courtesy of B&NES Council
In The Meanwhile is a programme of creative activity aiming to breathe new life into the vacant spaces at 17/18 Milsom Street and Milsom Place through art exhibitions, robotics and street theatre.
The project is running until the end of June and has been organised by Bath Spa University in partnership with community interest company Little Lost Robot alongside Bath & North East Somerset Council.
Little Lost Robot is showcasing its fusion of art and robotics until 27th June.
“In The Meanwhile” is part of the council’s Vacant Units Action Project under its High Streets Renewal programme.
The project was awarded £500,000 from the West of England Combined Authority’s Recovery Fund.
Alongside this, further match funding and in-kind support has been provided by the council and Bath BID.
Councillor Richard Samuel, deputy Leader and cabinet member for Economic Development & Resources, said: “This project supports the council’s ambition to reinvigorate spaces that have become empty due to Covid-19 and make them vibrant and engaging.
“Working with local artists, students and creatives, In The Meanwhile is bringing a splash of colour and interest to the city centre as we continue to welcome people back to Bath.”
West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris added: “I’d urge local people to pop into this creative space. What a good way to fill a vacant shop. Now there’s another fantastic reason to visit Milsom Street.
“Initiatives like this are important as we recover from the pandemic, which is why I’m keen to get behind great ideas to get more people visiting high streets and shopping streets that are at the heart of our communities.”
