AN AMBITIOUS project to explore modernising and reconfiguring Rugby Art Gallery and Museum has been launched by Rugby Borough Council – and residents and visitors are being invited to help shape the venue’s future.
Opened in 2000, the purpose-built venue is home to the borough council’s art gallery, museum and visitor centre, alongside the county council’s library.
Accredited by Arts Council England, the venue welcomes more than 100,000 visitors each year.
The council says the project – subject to feasibility studies and funding – could transform the building to make it more accessible, improve its environmental performance, and create flexible new spaces to better showcase collections, host events and deliver cultural and educational programmes.
The plans would also help safeguard the heritage assets cared for by the service for future generations.
The museum has launched a new audience survey to better understand how people use the building, what they value most, and what improvements they would like to see.
The survey asks what the venue does well, what could be improved, what might be missing and how the building could work better for everyone.
Feedback will help inform options for reconfiguring the space to meet changing needs and expectations, aiming to ensure the venue continues to thrive.
Rugby Art Gallery and Museum has commissioned PRS Architects to undertake the work.
Coun Maggie O’Rourke, Rugby Borough Council’s spokesperson for Partnerships and Wellbeing, said: “Rugby Art Gallery and Museum is one of our town’s cultural jewels. For 25 years it has welcomed residents, families, schools and visitors through its doors to explore art, heritage and learning.
“We want to make sure it remains vibrant, inclusive and fit for the future. This project gives us the opportunity to reimagine how the building works, improve its sustainability and create spaces that are even more welcoming and accessible.
“Most importantly, we want our community to help shape that vision. I would encourage everyone to take part in the survey and tell us what matters most to them.”
Her Liberal Democrat counterpart Coun Neil Sandison added: “Rugby Art Gallery and Museum sits at the heart of our community life.
“As we look to the future, it is vital that the building reflects modern expectations.
“This is an exciting opportunity to build on what already works well and make it even better. We look forward to hearing from as many people as possible.”
Visit www.rugby.gov.uk/w/modernising-ragm or drop into the Rugby Art Gallery and Museum for more information, and to take part in the survey.