King’s Lynn Art Centre to close

King’s Lynn Arts Centre will be closing its doors at the end of the month due to financial issues.

King’s Lynn Arts Centre Trust has announced the site will be closing on December 31 but the St George’s Guildhall will remain open.

The trust, which had received funding from West Norfolk and Norfolk County Councils, managed the site which included the Guildhall, the Shakespeare Barn, the Fermoy Gallery, the Red Gallery and the Old Warehouse.

In a statement, the trust says: “Having been threatened with closure in 2012, the Arts Centre was saved by the public and became independent as a charitable trust. Sadly, it is now no longer financially viable to run such a complex venue on a largely free admission basis.

“With numerous successful projects and over 110,000 people taking part in activities, visiting the four art galleries, attending wonderful performances and supporting the organisation, this last chapter in the long history of the Arts Centre has been a great adventure.

“The King’s Lynn Arts Centre Trust is proud to have transformed from an arts venue into what can truly be described as ‘A place to come and find yourself’.”

It later added: “It is important to recognise the support received from the West Norfolk Council since 2012 – without their willingness to consider, establish and structure an independent trust under a management agreement, the achievements of Liz Falconbridge and her team would not have been possible.

“The trustees would like to thank Liz Falconbridge (Director) for her tireless enthusiasm and everything she has done for the Arts and for King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, as well as the other dedicated employees of the trust and of course all those who have supported the King’s Lynn Arts Centre, whether it be via financial contribution, time, interest or dedication. Sadly, the adventure cannot continue.”