Our Story

Learn more about QUAD's origins and journey

Meet The Team

September

2008

QUAD opened to the public

September

2009

Actor Sir John Hurt visits QUAD and becomes our first patron

September

2010

Dame Joan Bakewell attends Objects Of Delight exhibition opening

September

2011

QUAD launches Summer Nights Outdoor Film Festival

September

2011

Photographer Joel Meyerwitz attends FORMAT International Photography Festival

September

2011

Film Director Ken Loach attends QUAD for post-film Q+A

September

2012

Actor Jack O'Connell becomes a patron

September

2016

Actor Ben Kingsley visits QUAD for Derby Film Festival

September

2018

QUAD Celebrates its tenth birthday

September

2018

BBC Children In Need broadcasts live from QUAD

March

2020

QUAD closes due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

September

2021

QUAD fully reopens to the public

Learn more about QUAD's history

Learn more about QUAD's history

We have welcomed over 3.5 million visitors through our doors

We have shown over 200 exhibitions and 4000 films

We have contributed over 70 million pounds to the local economy

We established FORMAT International Photography Festival which is now the UK’s leading festival devoted to lens-based media

QUAD

Derby's Cultural Hub

QUAD is Derby’s Cultural Hub providing contemporary art exhibitions, film, cinema, integrated digital media work and a range of educational and creative activities that is inspirational, innovative and inclusive.

A Leading Centre For Art & FIlm

Accessible to all, QUAD’s varied cultural offer encourages growth, development and wellbeing for audiences, enabling access to the arts for a wide range of abilities and interests. Friendly and informed staff provide a welcome to all in a space for anyone to engage and connect.

Exhibitions

QUAD’s Artistic programme includes local, national and internationally significant exhibitions, commissions and residencies. We showcase work by local artists and students from University of Derby and beyond alongside professional practice opportunities and mentoring support for early and mid-career artists. Our regular programme of educational and creative wellbeing-focused workshops complement a range of contextual talks and events throughout the year. QUAD’s programme includes FORMAT International Photography Festival, one of the UK’s leading festivals of photography and related media.

Education

We provide creative participatory and learning opportunities for people in a welcoming and supportive environment for visitors and participants of all ages. We collaborate and work in partnership to deliver activities that have made a positive impact on people’s lives. Our education, learning and participation programmes involves local and regional communities in innovative arts programmes to develop skills, engage and contribute to contemporary culture.

Funding

QUAD is funded by Arts Council England, The British Film Institute and supported by Derby City Council

CHARITY

QUAD Is A Registered Independent Charity

We receive funding to support our charitable aims from a variety of sources including Arts Council England, the British Film Institute and Derby City Council. All profits from commercial activities including ticket and Café Bar sales are re-invested in the programme and infrastructure.

Cinema

QUAD’s film and cinema programme shows the best in Independent, International and Hollywood cinema as well as event cinema such as NT Live. We aim to nurture talent by showcasing regional filmmakers and offering regular introductions, Q&As and film courses.

Digital

QUAD champions the creative development of emergent digital technologies including AR, VR, AI, game engine, projection mapping and interactive media.

Patrons

QUAD’s first Patron was the late Sir John Hurt CBE; current Patrons include: Paddy Considine, John Tams, Jack O’Connell, Hetain Patel, Dr. Jo Twist, Paul Carr and Molly Windsor.

History

QUAD first opened on Friday 26 September 2008, born out of a partnership between two well established Derby organisations, Metro Cinema & Q Arts. Metro Cinema opened on Green Lane (the original site of the Derby Central School of Art) in January 1981. It was the first independent outside of London cinema with an excellent reputation of bringing the best of world cinema to Derby. Q Arts was established in 1998, building on the foundations of Derby Community Arts, which itself had twenty years heritage and collaborated with thousands of Derby people.

Customer Feedback

Customer Feedback

QUAD is a great cinema, a cinema for grown-ups. No smell of pop-corn, no one playing with their phones mid-show. A cinema with a great café/bar and a very friendly team” – Paul, emailed feedback

I’d give QUAD six stars if I could. I wish more places in Derby were like this. Me and my group of friends visit quite often for the cinema and I have to say that the place is spotless, the staff are fantastic and professional, and the films/events are always varied and interesting” – Zach, Google Review

Excellent choice of films from mainstream to arthouse, screened in cinemas that offer comfort and value (The Box even has lounge furniture)” – Nicholas, Google Review

The film was great, the staff were friendly and helpful, particularly John (who was also brilliant on a previous visit when I slipped on the stairs and cut my hand) and the access provisions for disabled customers are spot on. We’ll definitely be coming back more often!” – Claire, Tripadvisor Review

QUAD is a registered charity.