Birnam Arts facts for kids
Birnam Arts is a fantastic arts centre located in Birnam, Perthshire, in central Scotland. It's also known as the Birnam Arts and Conference Centre. When it first opened, it was called the Birnam Institute. This special place is run by the community and doesn't aim to make a profit.
The Story of Birnam Arts: From Idea to Community Hub
The idea for Birnam Arts began way back in 1880. A local stationmaster, John Kinnaird, wanted to create a special place for everyone in the community. His plans led to the building of the original Birnam Institute. It officially opened its doors on 29 September 1883.
When it first opened, the Institute had many useful rooms. There was a library for reading books and a quiet reading room. It also had a large hall, a place for refreshments, and a games room. There was even a home for the caretaker who looked after the building.
In 1890, even more facilities were added. Public baths became available for people to use. During both the First and Second World Wars, the Institute played an important role. It was used by soldiers for places to stay and for entertainment.
By the 1990s, the old building needed some updates. It no longer met the rules for public buildings. So, a big plan was made to make it new again. People worked hard to raise money for the project. The building was renovated and made bigger. All the work was finished in June 2001, making it the modern Birnam Arts we see today.
What Birnam Arts Offers Today
Today, Birnam Arts is a busy and exciting place with lots to do. It has many different areas for various activities and events.
- Auditorium: There is a large auditorium with 170 seats. This is where shows, concerts, and other performances take place.
- Workshops: You can find a special room for dance and drama workshops. It's a great place to learn new skills and express yourself.
- Meeting Rooms: Several rooms are available for meetings. These are used by local groups and for different community events.
- Beatrix Potter Exhibition: There's a wonderful exhibition dedicated to Beatrix Potter. She was a famous author and illustrator who loved the area. You can also find a shop with items related to her stories.
- Foyer Café: A cozy café is located in the foyer. It's a perfect spot to grab a snack or a drink and relax.
- Public Library: Birnam Arts also hosts a public library. It's a quiet place to read, study, and borrow books.
- Art Exhibitions: The centre regularly features art exhibitions. You can see amazing artworks from different artists.
- Community Learning Offices: Offices for community learning are also based here. They help people of all ages learn new things.
