A Stoke-on-Trent arts centre has launched a new two-year project celebrating its history and future as it approaches its 70th anniversary in 2027.
The project, called Gaze, is supported by a £218,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and will explore the Mitchell Arts Centre (MAC)’s roots, its role in the city’s cultural life and its ongoing commitment to young people in Stoke-on-Trent.
It was founded in the years following the Second World War as a youth centre dedicated to Reginald Mitchell, the Stoke-on-Trent-born engineer who designed the Spitfire aircraft. Built at a time when communities were rebuilding after the conflict, the centre was funded by local people rather than government grants or private donors, with schoolchildren, community groups and residents raising money to support its construction.
Since then, the Mitchell Arts Centre has developed into a key cultural venue in the city centre, supporting amateur theatre groups, local performers and creative organisations. Its programme includes live theatre, music, workshops, education sessions and family activities, alongside screenings from national organisations including the National Theatre, Royal Opera House and Royal Ballet.
The Gaze project will run over the next two years and aims to reflect the centre’s founding purpose by focusing on creativity, ambition and young voices. Planned activities include a new writing prize celebrating 70-word short-form pieces and half-term clay workshops for young people.
Family-friendly theatre events will also take place, alongside creative installations designed to transform spaces within the building.
Funding will support the delivery of the programme and help the centre document its history, expand participation and develop new creative opportunities.
Education development manager Caroline Sherratt said: “We thank The National Lottery Heritage Fund for their incredible investment of £218,000 towards the Gaze project.
“This funding is a vote of confidence in the young dreamers of Stoke-on-Trent, in the power of local voices, and in the legacy of ambition that began with Reginald Mitchell.
“Thanks to National Lottery players, the next two years will be filled with colour, creativity and connection – a true celebration of where we’ve come from, and where we’re going.”
