Arts academy launches £2.5m funding appeal to restore ‘exquisite’ home

‘EXQUISITE FEATURES’: The former Hull School of Art building in Anlaby Road, now home to Northern Academy of Performing Arts. Picture credit: Octovision Media

By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor

The Northern Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) has launched a £2.5m funding appeal to restore its Anlaby Road home to its former glory.

The former Hull Art School building is 120 years old this month and is currently home to NAPA’s 700 students who attend weekly to learn skills in dance, acting and singing, and to perform in the charity’s own theatre within the building.

The Grade II listed building, designed by renowned architect Edwin Rickards, is prominent in appearance with its many exquisite late Victorian and Edwardian features still visible today.

But after 120 years of everyday use the fabric of the building is “tired and deteriorating rapidly”, NAPA said, which is putting its ability to continue to operate at the venue at risk.

NAPA is now embarking on an ambitious conservation restoration project to secure the future of the building so the joy of singing, dancing and acting can continue under its roof.

Chief executive Carl Wheatley said: “At NAPA, we transform young lives through participation in performing arts activities.  With our wonderful building in desperate need of restoration, our ability to continue to support young people and communities across Hull and East Riding is under threat.

IN NEED OF REPAIR: The studio. Picture credit: Robin Forster, from the book Edwin Rickards (Liverpool University Press) by Timothy Brittain-Catlin

“Our aim is that the joy of singing, dancing and acting will benefit future generations of young people across Hull and the East Riding.”

Established as a charity in 1998, NAPA moved to the former Hull School of Art in 2004.