HOME (arts centre)

HOME (arts centre). HOME is a major cultural venue in Manchester, England, dedicated to contemporary visual arts, theatre, and film. Opened in May 2015, it was formed from the merger of two of the city's leading arts organizations, the Cornerhouse and the Library Theatre Company. Located on the First Street development in the city centre, it has become a cornerstone of the region's cultural landscape, presenting innovative work from local and international artists.

History

The institution's origins trace back to the 2011 announcement by Manchester City Council of plans to create a new flagship arts centre. This initiative was driven by the desire to consolidate the resources and audiences of the established Cornerhouse, a renowned centre for contemporary art and independent cinema, and the Library Theatre Company, a prominent producing theatre company. Following a significant capital campaign, construction began on a purpose-built facility designed by the Dutch architectural firm Mecanoo. The venue officially opened to the public in May 2015, with its inaugural programme featuring a major exhibition by the artist Phil Collins and a production of Christopher Marlowe's *Doctor Faustus* starring Kit Harington. The creation of HOME represented one of the largest investments in a UK cultural institution outside London in the early 21st century.

Facilities

The building, a striking example of contemporary architecture, houses five distinct cinema screens equipped for both 35mm film and digital projection, including one of the largest screens in the city. Its main theatre is a flexible 500-seat space capable of hosting large-scale productions, while a second, more intimate 150-seat theatre supports experimental work. The visual arts galleries span two floors and provide over 4,000 square feet of exhibition space for rotating displays of contemporary work. Additional public amenities include a large ground-floor restaurant and bar, a dedicated bookshop specializing in art and film titles, and extensive foyer areas that host free exhibitions and events. The entire building is designed to be fully accessible.

Programming

HOME's artistic programme is interdisciplinary and ambitious, encompassing a diverse range of forms. Its cinema programme is curated to present the best of world cinema, documentary film, and cult classics, alongside festivals like the Manchester International Festival. The theatre department commissions and produces new writing, contemporary adaptations, and touring shows, having staged works by playwrights such as Simon Stephens and directors like Walter Meierjohann. The visual arts team organizes major solo and group exhibitions, often featuring artists with strong connections to the North of England, and runs an extensive learning and participation programme with workshops, talks, and community projects. It also hosts the biennial Manchester Contemporary art fair.

Governance and funding

HOME is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee, governed by a board of trustees drawn from the cultural, business, and academic sectors. Its chief executive and director is Dave Moutrey, who previously led the Cornerhouse. Core funding is provided through an annual grant from Manchester City Council and support from Arts Council England, which designates it as a National Portfolio Organisation. Significant additional revenue is generated through box office sales, commercial activities in its catering outlets, and fundraising from trusts and foundations such as the Garfield Weston Foundation and corporate partners. This mixed economy model is standard for major UK arts institutions.

Reception and impact

Since its opening, HOME has been critically acclaimed for its architecture and its bold, integrated programming, receiving positive reviews in publications like *The Guardian* and *The Stage*. It has significantly contributed to the cultural and economic regeneration of the First Street area, acting as an anchor tenant that has attracted further investment. The venue has been praised for increasing access to the arts through its pay-what-you-can initiatives and extensive outreach work with communities across Greater Manchester. It plays a vital role in the city's international cultural profile, collaborating with global partners like the Berlinale and hosting events during the Manchester International Festival. Its success is seen as a model for regional arts centre development in the UK. Category:Arts centres in Manchester Category:Buildings and structures in Manchester Category:Theatres in Manchester Category:Cinemas in Manchester Category:Art museums and galleries in Manchester Category:Organizations established in 2015