Give feedback on this pageJuly 28th 2008 will see the opening of the new Ruthin Craft Centre in a stunning new, contemporary building set against the backdrop of the Clwydian Hills.
The new Centre, which is all on the ground level, is set around a courtyard and gives Ruthin Craft Centre three new galleries, a substantial retail gallery, a café, six artist studios and educational and residency facilities.
The budget for the purpose-built new building was £4.4 million, including £3.15 million from the Arts Council of Wales' Capital Lottery Funding - the largest grant of its kind made to North Wales. . The other funders are: the Welsh Assembly Government (Department of Economy and Transport), Denbighshire County Council, Ruthin Town Council and Cadwyn Clwyd.
Dr Kath Davies, Head of Arts Funding for the Arts Council of Wales said: "Under the careful leadership of Philip Hughes, Ruthin Craft Centre has deservedly earned a reputation for excellence in an international context. This innovative building, designed by the award-winning architects Sergison Bates, is itself an example of the finest craftsmanship and puts Ruthin yet more firmly at the centre of contemporary applied art.
"The Arts Council of Wales is delighted to have played a central role in the redevelopment and is confident that Ruthin Craft Centre will provide a fitting platform for renowned artists to display their work, and become a source of inspirationfor new and emerging makers within Wales."
The centre will consist of three galleries - two for displaying the best contemporary craft from Wales and around the world, the other a collections gallery and a retail gallery space. There are also studios for artists, educational and residency facilities, a café and a tourist information cultural gateway. The whole complex is set round a courtyard that acts as a focal point and outdoor social space. Outdoor furniture, for this area, has been designed by renowned designers Jim Partridge and Liz Walmsley.