There will be a significant transformation in the running of the charity.

QUAD would like to inform customers, partners and supporters that there is to be a significant transformation in the running of the charity from 17^th October. This transformation is designed to safeguard the long-term future of QUAD and will see a reduction in opening hours with a focus on meeting existing charitable aims. With this transformation now in motion, there are no plans for the permanent closure of QUAD.

QUAD CEO, Eleanor Thornley says:

“In July, we spoke of our financial difficulty and need to transform to operate sustainably in a challenging external environment. I joined the organisation as CEO later that month and have been working with the board, staff and stakeholders to explore options ever since.

Throughout this work, I have been inspired by the level of commitment and passion I have witnessed from QUAD staff, and I thank each and every one of them for their hard work. From the many conversations I’ve had, it’s crystal clear that QUAD provides an irreplaceable cultural hub for the city as a place for people to discover film & art, and nurture their creative lives, which is something that I am keen to continue. However, due to rising costs and changing audience habits, we are having to make big changes. It is clear that we cannot continue to operate in the same way we have up to now, and that we need to reduce operating costs as a matter of urgency.

With that being said, on October 13^th we will temporarily close QUAD, to re-open and relaunch on the 17^th with new operating hours, focus and a curated offer. We plan to be open Thursday and Friday evenings, and throughout the weekend to provide the cultural hub we know the people of Derby rely on us for. These new opening hours have been curated carefully to allow for minimal disruption for our customers during the Assembly Rooms demolition. As an organisation, we are looking forward to the developments in the city in the coming year and are glad we have found a way to work around the initial process.

We have an exciting line-up of events already planned for the first month, including a new Derby focussed Dancing Through Time ‘were you there’ exhibition, our annual Dead and breakfast all-nighter and not to mention Derby Book Festival and Tomb Raider day TR28. Additionally, you will still be able to enjoy film screenings, exhibitions in our extra gallery space and drinks in our bar. However, we will no longer be serving meals or be able to operate on weekdays for the time being. We are in consultation with our people with regards to the impact these changes will have on our staffing levels. In this difficult time for them, I’m determined to prioritise communication and honesty throughout.

The QUAD staff are committed to doing what we can within our power to adapt to the current climate, but even with these changes we will still have a significant gap in our finances. Our plans are designed to start the journey towards the sustainable future for QUAD that we all want. But the reality is that without support our organisation will not be able to continue. Like many cultural organisations, we desperately need funds to stabilise our business to plan for the future. We know, because you have told us, that QUAD means a lot to the people of Derby and we are committed to doing everything we can to remain in our iconic building and provide memorable, meaningful experiences for our community, but we need help.

We are in close conversation with stakeholders to find solutions, but we are also asking our supporters and customers to help in any way they can. Please continue to come in and see films, have a drink or attend an event in our bar and, if you can, please donate via our website or in the building.

I believe that QUAD has a sustainable future in bringing art and film for the people of Derby by offering a focussed but full programme of events, gallery shows, educational activities and film. All the support shown to us over the last few months has been a testament to the impact QUAD has had on so many people across the last 16 years. From first cinema experiences to lifelong cinephiles, providing a relaxed space for a coffee meeting to a safe space for a night out, and from supporting emerging artists to internationally recognised photography festivals; QUAD is a special place to so many.

We are only just getting started, but we need your help to continue.”

Mark Gregory, QUAD Chair of the Board of Trustees says:

“The staff, supported by the board of trustees, have worked tirelessly over the past few months to establish a pathway to a sustainable future for QUAD. We’re so grateful to all of them. Although more work and support is needed, it is important that we are able to communicate our plan today. The work has high- lighted the importance of the charitable aims of QUAD and the impact it has, through art and film, on people’s lives. Contemplating life without QUAD has made us even more determined to find ways to keep it open to you all. We are supporting our people through this stage of transformation. Now we turn to the people of Derby and Derbyshire to ask for your help; buy a ticket, donate or check out an exhibition. We’re on the cusp of a fundamental reset for Derby, and QUAD deserves to be part of that.