University of Leicester to launch new identity for arts centre

A Picture of The Explorers is available from the University of Leicester Press Office: pt91@le.ac.uk

The University of Leicester is announcing a new identity for its arts centre.

Embrace Arts at the RA centre, formerly known as the Richard Attenborough Centre, offers opportunities to everyone to participate without barriers in ways that challenge and inspire

To mark the new identity, on Tuesday 16 and Wednesday 17 February between 12 noon and 2pm, a street theatre group will be on campus performing The Explorers.

The street theatre event by the London-based group, ‘Strangelings’, will offer a glimpse behind the scenes of a great British polar expedition as the ice-encrusted heroes undertake a tragic-comic quest for Embrace Arts, seeking directions and clues from university staff and students across the campus.

The facilities at Embrace Arts include a 180-seater performance area, art studios, extensive exhibition gallery and bright foyer space, enabling people to engage with the arts as audiences, performers and learners.

Its director, Louisa Milburn said: “Our new look for the Richard Attenborough centre reflects the breadth of what we do and our aims as the University of Leicester’s arts centre – open to all, to be creative, inclusive, vibrant and welcoming.”

Patron Lord Richard Attenborough commented: “I am delighted to welcome the arrival of Embrace Arts at the RA centre. The new identity takes us into another exciting stage of the centre’s development. I look forward to continuing my close association with all the marvellous work that goes on in this wonderful building and the amazing people who create it.”

The University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Robert Burgess, added: "As the University's arts centre, Embrace Arts provides an important focal point for cultural life on campus and in the wider community."