Performing arts centre appeal reaches its target – with countdown now on until opening

The £1.1m fundraising project to build the UK’s first performing arts space built specifically for the needs of autistic young people with complex needs has been completed – with the building set to open later this year. 

The fundraising appeal for our Performing Arts Centre appeal has now reached its £1.1m target with contributions from more than 150 individuals, Charitable Trusts and organisations getting us across the line. 

Once open later this academic year, the unique centre will feature adapted facilities to support autistic young people with complex needs to access opportunities in music, dance and drama and the life-enriching benefits this provides. 

Construction work to build the centre began in December 2023. The centre was created from a pre-existing building on-site, rather than knocking down and starting again. This was part of an approach based on sustainability for the project which also includes solar panels being installed on the roof of the building to power the centre. 

While the construction phase is close to being finished, the building is still to be fitted out with equipment before opening for use by Prior’s Court young people and staff in Spring. 

Sue Piper, Prior’s Court’s Director of Learning, said: “It is incredible to think of the number of people who have played a direct role in bringing this exciting performing arts centre to life. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has contributed. 

“Being autistic with complex needs should not be a barrier to access the transformational power of the arts – whether that is performing on stage, watching a performance or simply having the space to explore arts in one’s own way. 

“Everyone who has donated will lift these barriers and empower young people at Prior’s Court and beyond to access the performing arts and with it a powerful means of communicating needs, expressions and feelings. 

“We’re very excited for young people at Prior’s Court to begin exploring the building in the Spring ahead of an opening event in June.” 

Autistic individuals face many barriers to accessing the arts – from light and noise sensitivities to understanding of social rules. One aim of the centre is to mimic theatre environments to prepare more young people to access arts venues in the community successfully. This in turn allows for more special memories families can create together.  

This is in addition to young people having the opportunity day-to-day to express themselves creatively in a dedicated, bespoke space within the specialist learning and residential provision at Prior’s Court, where families can also attend performances. 

Our ambition is to also use the  centre to research best practice around providing support to access the arts, and sharing these learnings with others in the education and performing arts sectors for the benefit of autistic people, and their families, across the country and beyond. 

Check out our other fundraising appeals