After a decade of planning and nearly two years construction, the £15m renovation of the Midland Arts Centre (mac) is finally complete.
The newly-refurbished Mac, located in Cannon Hill Park, will be unveiled to the public on May 1 with a programme of events.
As well as providing a platform for upcoming artists, the centre will create up to 180 jobs for people in Birmingham.
City leisure chief, Coun Martin Mullaney said: “This is a welcome and exciting return for the much-loved Mac and an exciting development for the arts here in Birmingham.
“I’m sure Mac can make a significant contribution if we win the race to be the UK’s first City of Culture in 2013.”
The highlight of the opening weekend will be the premiere of The City Sings, an anthem composed especially to celebrate the relaunch.
The song will be performed by more than 500 people from across Birmingham who will meet in the park and then form a procession into the new building.
Other attractions include music from Misty’s Big Adventure and Vijay Kashore, and a dance display from Mac’s resident dance troupe Sampad.
Chief executive at Mac, Dorothy Wilson said: “We want everyone to make sure they save the date. Over ten years in the making, the project has created a dynamic and exciting arts centre that offers vastly improved spaces for audiences and artists alike. I can’t wait to show people around.”
The original buildings, developed in the sixties, have been expanded and revamped to attract more artists, performers and visitors.
Key improvements include a new gallery, larger theatre, performing arts studio and disabled access.
Sally Luton, regional executive director for Arts Council England West Midlands, said: “The Mac team have created an extraordinary and beautiful space.
“The renovation was funded by Birmingham City Council, Arts Council England and the Mac’s own fund-raising appeal."
