There’s a strange flickering glow. Ancient stones in the centre of the city have become like glittering opals. Projected onto the outside of the building are paintings, ancient and modern. Titian's Bacchus and Ariadne, Picasso's Weeping Woman. A piano keyboard and moving images of the people milling about inside the building intrigue the passers-by. Inside, a grand piano lit by slides, dry-ice fog swirling around ankles, shafts of coloured lights picking out drum-kit, microphone stands, guitars, paintings and ballerinas. The Velvet Underground playing through the P.A. Beethoven, blues, rock and ballet. It's going to be an interesting night!
who:
Fiori is a band which has a reputation for understanding 'performance' as an artform. They like pushing boundaries and refuse to be categorised, confusing critics who can't find a label for them. The evening also features Zoe O'Sullivan and dancers, and a piano maestro.
Herbert Media, the new name for the relocated Depot Studios, is Coventry's unique facility for the creation of music, moving image and digital art, encompassing hands-on training, artist support and facility hire.
why:
The Old Grammar School is a small jewel in the centre of Coventry. It exudes character and a crumbling beauty. It reflects the long history of culture in the city. It was a place of learning and we hope this event will also be an enlightening experience for everyone who attends it.There are many and varied forms of expression of the human condition. We hope to inspire open minds so that barriers can be broken in people's preconceptions about art and music.
where:
The Old Grammar School was built around 1340 as the chapel of the 12th Century St.John the Baptist hospital. After the dissolution of the monasteries, it was converted into a free grammar school - King Henry VIII - which moved to Warwick Road in 1885.
when:
Friday and Saturday evening shows
Venue open 6.00pm - 11.00pm
Performances 7.30pm - 10.30pm
Audience capacity 300
Age recommendation 10 +
Venue Access Audit (carried out by the artist/producer).
This is intended as a guide for other artists and producers considering staging an event in the venue. However please note that the guidance given here is a subjective assessment of the venue as of May 2004.
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For key to symbols, see Access page
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Is there a suitable get-in to the venue/site for equipment etc?
The building has several large double door accesses. This would make the installation and removal of equipment easy. There may be a problem loading from the road.
Is the venue accessible to wheelchair users? and if not, what would it take to make it accessible?
There is an access point into the building that is suitable for wheelchair users directly off the main street and the ground floor is all on one level. The door frames are wide enough for wheelchair access. A lift would be required to reach the first floor.
Are there toilets, including a wheelchair accessible toilet?
The building has no toilet facilities. However, it does have a water supply and drainage facilities so no road excavation would be necessary. The building does have ample space to accommodate male, female and wheelchair accessible toilets
Is there an electricity supply?
The building does have a single phase electrical mains service but at the moment it has been disconnected. This would need to be upgraded to three phase supply and a full rewire would be required.
Are there fire exits?
The building does have fire exits but more may be required.
Is there space for bar/hospitality?
The layout of the building would allow for a bar and quiet area without any major construction work.
Is there space for box office/curator/front of house?
Again the layout of the building would allow a box office and cloak room facilities.
Is the venue/site family or child friendly?
The venue is situated in the town centre, on the corner of two busy roads with several bars and nightclubs in the near vicinity - which is probably not the ideal location for a family orientated venue. The venue would also have a license to sell alcohol, again going against the case for a child friendly environment.
How easy is it to find the venue?
The building it sited in a prime location in the city centre where most bus services terminate within a five minute walk. Behind the building there is a pay and display car park with CCTV making it a safe place to park.
How easy is it to get to the venue on foot?
As it is a city centre venue it is easy to access on foot.
Would you want to make this journey after dark?
No. Because the building is within the ring road most of the pedestrian routes in to the city centre at some point will take you through a subway which are not well illuminated. The venue is surrounded by city bars and nightclubs and therefore could feel threatening after dark.
Is there car parking nearby?
Yes.
General comments
After viewing the building it was surprising to see how well it had stood up to the test of time after being neglected for more than 20 years. It has all services, water, electric and possibly gas as there is a heating system but that maybe oil fired. Structurally the building is sound with the exception of some roof damage; as a result of this a small amount of wet rot is present in the first floor, the rest of the building is dry. Nevertheless the building is in need of urgent repairs to stop any further deterioration. Although it is a grade one listed building, so therefore no major alterations can be made to the inside, the existing layout lends itself to become a perfect live music and performance venue.
links: Fiori | Herbert Media | The Old Grammar School
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