Winchester Discovery Centre reopens today as The ARC

The doors opened after the completion of a major £715,000 refurbishment.

The former library in Jewry Street is now being operated by Hampshire Cultural Trust with the aim of being a major cultural hub. The first exhibition is a show by mid-20th century illustrator Eric Ravilious called Extraordinary Everyday: The Art and Design of Eric Ravilious.

The centre remains a library but there has been a revamp with the ground floor gallery now given over to books and the exhibition space moved to the mezzanine floor. The first show is by Winchester hand weaver and dyer Deidre Wood.

READ MORE HERE: Winchester Discovery Centre to be renamed The Arc

Speaking last month, Paul Sapwell, chief executive of Hampshire Cultural Trust, said: “Integral to our partnership and the future of Winchester Discovery Centre has been the name of the venue and how it can reflect the broad range of services that we will offer to our many different visitors. The Arc refers to arts, reading and community and perfectly encapsulates our joint vision: a place where people can come together to experience live performance, art, classes, talks and access library and community services all together, under one roof, in the heart of Winchester.”

The ARC will continue to offer exhibitions, events, classes and live performance for all ages and interests, with a range of both ticketed and free activities.

Among the well-known names that will be gracing the venue is TV comedian Gary Delaney, while family theatre for February half term will be on offer from ZooCo with two relaxed performances of Messy. Live music - from regular acoustic nights, to alt folk, classical, big band and swing - features on the programme, alongside library favourites Rhymetime, Storytime and Knit and Natter.

Extraordinary Everyday: The Art & Design of Eric Ravilious features more than 100 artworks and ceramics from 16 UK lenders, including pieces which are rarely seen on public display. Alongside two tours with the exhibition curator, James Russell, Extraordinary Everyday is accompanied by a series of events inspired by Ravilious and his art.

A major new addition to the facilities at The Arc is a brand new Digital Lab, kitted out with state-of-the-art iMacs enabling access to the Adobe Suite and other open-source design software. A programme of workshops - for those looking to brush up on their skills or develop their existing skills further – starts at the beginning of March, with two open days to view the Lab’s facilities being held on February 19-20.

All events are now available to view and book at the The Arc’s website, arcwinchester.org.uk.

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