Musical Arc [ http://musicalarc.wordpress.com ] gave me this letter, and these pictures to post.
This is a letter on behalf of all members of Musical ARC, a
registered charity group based in Leeds. We are writing with regret regarding
the closure of the West Park Centre, a rehearsal space which served as our home
for seven years. We shall not only voice concern for the way we were treated
during the event, but also bring forth an appeal for the centre to reopen.
Firstly, an overview should be given of what exactly Musical
ARC stands for. The intrinsic value of its work, which took place under West
Park Centre’s shelter for many years, will also be expressed.
Musical ARC is a collective of adults who congregate weekly to
share and create music, both as an outlet for themselves and as a way of
promoting disability equality. The members of the group are of varying musical ability,
and many have sensory and physical impairments. In recent times, they have made
a powerful impression on many of Leeds’ primary schools, by conducting
workshops in which they teach and perform.
Consequently, we are sending out a fundamental message to
people of all ages: Disability should not lead to segregation in the community.
It can feel like much of life
concentrates on our disabilities; however Musical ARC focuses only on our
abilities, our potential. It is a
place we can individually contribute to a union, and many of us have been
attending regularly for years.
Therefore on 5th November 2012, it came as a huge
shock to hear of the abrupt closure of the West Park Centre. This discovery was
particularly disappointing for those who had already left their homes for the
session that day, and as a result of late notice were stranded outside the practice area.
The lack of information given about the imminent closure was highly unethical.
Thankfully, no harm came to the members (who were potentially without transport
for over three hours in a November climate).
Although now settled in a new location (Meanwood Community
Centre), there was every chance that the group would be left without one. Any
information on the closure had to be sought out personally by the members of
Musical ARC. The vision that it would be unable to continue its necessary work due
to an ‘electrical fault’ and a ‘problem with the water’ at West Park (as told
to Shehnaaz in a phone call with Greg Mulholland) was distressing
enough. Yet being shielded from a formal
warning by leading bodies was purely unjust.
West Park Centre’s closure came
around the time that Musical ARC were preparing for a series of school
workshops, but despite the disruption of continuity, we are finally able to
reflect on the experience and put forward our expectations. Our main principle
is that we will witness a re-opening of the West Park Centre. It provided us (and
countless others) with valuable territory for the growth of Leeds’ art forms.
Additionally, we believe that its revival should go ahead
with some amendments. Investment
is essential to any business, and the arts should be treated with a parallel
outlook. If West Park had a creative and performing arts venue with accessible,
communal facilities such as recording studios, craft/rehearsal rooms and
storage space, then groups such as our own would have the means to generate revenue
for Leeds City Council. Venues such as the West Park Centre warrant further
recognition for the profound way that its groups have changed lives.
Lastly, we at Musical ARC propose that
a significant improvement is seen in the communication of the council and other
organisations. What happened to us as a result of the closure was disconcerting.
We hope never to witness the same lack of consideration again, where a change
affects us so personally.
Yours sincerely
Members:
Shehnaaz Junwalla
Lia Garret
Melissa Dawson Bowling
David Boyes
Dawn Kelly
James Yates
Tanvier
Emma Stewart
Vicky Orton
Kim woodier
Marlena backzowski
Robert Niazamena
David Serrit
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