The Swindon Museum and Art Gallery Trust has launched its ‘Back the Bid’ campaign to create an iconic new building next to the Wyvern Theatre.
Before an invited audience at the current Bath Road museum and art gallery, director Dr Rod Hebden, said that the time had come for Swindon to step into the spotlight.
“Swindon really is a very cool place for many reasons, but hasn’t had the recognition it deserves.
“As the town gets behind the bid to win heritage lottery funding for a brand new museum and art gallery, that’s all about to change.
“This new museum and art gallery will allow us to shout about how fantastic Swindon is from the rooftops. This building will be absolutely iconic, and people near and far will come to recognise it as an important Swindon landmark.”
He explained that the proposed £22 million building was: “a stunning piece of architecture” that would express the importance of the many treasures showcased within, from fossils and Roman remains to examples of Swindon’s industry and innovation.
“Its leading edge design will incorporate many intelligent and sustainable features. It will collect rainwater for use inside, use solar panels to generate electricity, provide shade from the sun and be cheap and efficient to run. It will also be fully accessible to everyone.
“The new purpose-built museum and art gallery will extend the possibilities for Swindon and its people. It will be a memorable place to meet up, have fun and learn about all sorts of things – science, technology, history, art and a lot more. It will allow us to borrow art and artefacts from others, and to lend some of our collections out. It won’t be a stuffy set of rooms, but an interactive space where people can enjoy themselves and will want to return to.”
Dr Hebden said that Swindon’s vibrant culture and heritage has never been properly showcased and that many people in the town and further afield are unaware of quality of artefacts and works art in its collections. Supporters include Swindon residents, education professionals, artists, employers and heritage specialists. The Back the Bid campaign marks the start of a series of events and opportunities for the people of Swindon to show their support.
How to get involved:
Like the bid's facebook page – www.facebook.com/backthebidswindon
Follow the bid on twitter – www.twitter.com/backthebidswin
See plans and updates at swindonmuseum.org.uk and let them know what you think
Sign up for an e-bulletin at swindonmuseum.org.uk
Look out for roadshows in and around Swindon
Email – [email protected]
Visit the museum and art gallery to see some of the works in Swindon's wonderful collections.
Call in to the museum and art gallery on Bath Road, Old Town, to see the model of the iconic building.
Sign and return a supporter’s postcard
Become a Friend of Swindon Museum and Art Gallery – email [email protected]
Ask SMAG to visit your organisation or club or place of work to tell you more – email [email protected]
Contact the trust to find out more about sponsorship and giving: [email protected]
Your Comments
I am a great supporter of the new museum and art gallery. I think it will be an amazing place and a piece of art in its own right.
However if you go to the museum and art gallery in Bath Road don't just look at the model, go and look at the art collection it is stupendous and I for one can hardly contain myself waiting to see the whole collection in one place.
Posted: 3 July 2017, 8.22AM by: Steve Thompson
Login or Register to post a comment on this article