Quad boss's pride after battling to meet challenges

THE chief executive of Derby's flagship arts centre has lifted the lid on a “challenging” period after urgent changes were made to its operations in an attempt to save it from closure.

- By OSCAR FISHER

A shorter operating week and staff redundancies were among the changes planned by Quad, which boasts a cinema, art gallery and café in Derby's Market Place, after it admitted it was in “serious financial difficulties” in July last year.

It closed on October 13 and reopened a few days later with new operating hours, which saw the centre open only on Thursday and Friday evenings, and at the weekends.

Now, more than eight months down the line, the charity says it has implemented a series of further changes moving forward.

Quad chief executive Eleanor Thornley has issued a letter to customers and supporters of Quad, labelling the last year as a “hugely challenging” time.

She said: “I’m aware I have been a little quiet over the past year, but there has been lots of planning and hard working behind the scenes to get to where we are today.

“With so many positive advancements, I wanted to address them and let you know the status of the organisation and our future.

“Over the last few weeks, we have announced a new membership scheme and reopened Quad on Thursday and Friday daytimes.