Dear Chief Minister,

This week I was extremely concerned to hear of yet another blow to Jersey’s Arts sector following a very difficult 15 months: news that the Jersey Opera House is now unlikely to re-open to the public until late summer 2022, due to the Government’s delay in appointing a project manager to facilitate the emergency repairs.

2020 was a very difficult year for organisations the world over, with the Performing Arts and Events industries being some of the hardest-hit sectors. With light at the end of the covid-19 tunnel, it is vital that Jersey’s Government recognises that the local Performing Arts and Events industries need the Jersey Opera House to be fully functional, and that the local community deserves access to the many benefits of live performances offered by this theatre, at the earliest opportunity.

Although I fully appreciate that some funding was provided for refurbishments to the venue in 2009 during the original fiscal stimulus programme, it is imperative that the island continues to care for and maintain its public buildings on a regular basis, and not when a building becomes so unfit for purpose that it is forced to close. PADG Members are deeply frustrated that the Jersey Opera House has seemingly been deemed unworthy of regular funding for necessary maintenance repairs in recent years.

Pictured: PADG Chair, Ryan Williams.

Many of the local Performing Arts organisations have rescheduled their events at the Jersey Opera House to Quarter 3 and 4 of 2021, with the assumption that guidelines for events and gatherings will be further relaxed following the vaccination programme. Having ridden out the covid-19 storm with hope, it is disappointing to hear that the sector faces further setbacks due to a lengthy delay in appointing a project manager to commence the works. Many local clubs and associations will face financial burdens resulting from costs attributed to the ongoing uncertainty faced by the theatre.

As the Chairman of PADG, I urge the Government to review this critical situation and take immediate action. If the Government does not take decisive action, there will profound consequences to the local Arts organisations, the local economy, and the cultural and mental wellbeing of islanders.

I look forward to your response and would greatly appreciate a response with immediate plans for these essential works being completed.

Yours sincerely,

Ryan Williams
PADG Chair