Great oaks grow…

The tiny Acorn has triumphed: overwhelming public support for Penzance’s Acorn Arts Centre has led to a last minute reprieve for the venue, whose closure was imminent and whose staff have already been made redundant. A Facebook campaign, led by The Cornishman newspaper with the backing of Penzance Town Council and support of local MP Andrew George, has helped secure the venue’s future. News of a funding and support package from Arts Council England and Cornwall Council has now been announced to stall the sale of the building. A new business model is to be developed over the next four months, but former Arts Centre Director Toni Kirk will continue to work with the theatre in a voluntary role during this period. The Acorn will also depend on volunteers to run events until January. A public consultation will now take place to decide future plans, and links will be sought with local partners including theatre companies, artists, schools and colleges.