We are building a cultral center for the future

The Generator in Loughborough will become a cultural center for creatives, arts organisations & the wider community.

It emphasises inclusivity and offers a venue for the creative expression of the people of Loughborough and the exploration of all art forms. 

People standing in a dark room with colorful laser lights.
Two silhouetted figures in a dark room illuminated by colorful laser light projections on the wall.
A black and white photo of a large brick building with multiple stories and numerous windows, some of which are open. There are leafless trees in front of the building and power lines overhead.

The Generator is a 1930s Art Deco building, originally built to house generators to supply electricity to Loughborough College buildings in the town centre.

Black and white photo of an early industrial machinery or engine room with multiple large engines, pipes, and control panels, enclosed by a metal railing.

The Generator will run programmes, exhibitions, and initiatives that celebrate the richness of diversity and encourage dialogue, understanding, and connection.

A dancer performing in a dark setting with dramatic lighting, twirling with flowing, colorful fabric creating circular shapes in the air.
Performer in white costume with orange and black shapes, raising arms on stage with flowing white fabric.
Silhouettes of three people against a vibrant, orange-pink digital background projected on a wall. One person is using a laptop, and their shadows are cast on the wall.
Three musicians performing on stage: a pianist in the foreground, a double bass player in the middle, and a drummer in the background with stage lights and a silhouette of a person with arms raised projected behind them.

The Generator will be an important hub for Charnwood’s diverse range of creatives and will collaborate with arts organisations, institutions and communities to enrich the cultural landscape of our community.  The venue has a focus on high-quality cultural events, sustainability and accessibility + promotes creativity, diversity, and environmental awareness. 

A young woman in a white cropped top and red patterned skirt wearing a virtual reality headset.
Room with purple lighting, flat screen monitors displaying nature scenes, and decorative purple LED strips.
A woman is kneeling on a stage floor with her hands resting on her knees, eyes closed, possibly meditating or performing yoga. Behind her, a group of musicians with instruments such as a cello, drums, and percussion are warming up or preparing. The stage features colorful LED strip lights along the edge of the floor, with a vibrant electronic display in the background and stage equipment to the right.
Two young girls are standing at a table covered with craft supplies, including scissors, paper, and markers. One girl is holding a pair of scissors and cutting paper, while the other girl is holding a piece of paper and looking at it. The background is a plain white brick wall.

We believe that human expression is essential for a healthy society.

Two young children sitting on a blanket in an art gallery with hanging colored curtains and photographs on the walls.

We celebrate and support creative people at the heart of our mission. We believe that creative individuals are the driving force behind the arts and that the Generator will offer them a new platform from which to thrive.

Our commitment to fostering the talents and aspirations of creative people is fundamental to our role as a dynamic cultural institution, and we look forward to collaborating with and empowering even more artists, creators, and visionaries in the future.

Person working on colorful photo collages at a cluttered table in a well-lit room with large window showing trees and buildings outside.
Group of children sitting at a table in dim, colorful lighting, engaging in some activity.
Group of children and an adult working with electronic music equipment and cables on a dark wooden floor.

We are committed to supporting children and young people in unlocking their creative skills and helping them to realise their artistic potential.

We believe that nurturing creativity at a young age not only enriches individual lives but also contributes to the cultural health of our community. Through our programmes, workshops, and educational initiatives, we strive to provide young minds with the tools, opportunities and inspiration they need to explore, innovate, and express themselves through the arts. 

Child's hands drawing colorful, abstract scribbles and floral designs on a white paper with markers, with additional markers and sticker decorations visible on the table.
Person drawing a colorful, abstract mural on a large white paper with markers, featuring various shapes like flowers, animals, and geometric patterns.
Two women performing aerial acrobatics on a hoop suspended from the ceiling of industrial-style building with a high vaulted roof and large windows. Several spectators watch on the ground.

The Generator will become an important venue, serving as a vibrant cultural nexus and an important hub for Charnwood's local community.

A group of people attending a seated workshop or discussion in a modern, industrial-style room with hanging lights and cardboard walls with sketches, arranged around large cardboard tables.

The Generator is a unique venue in the heart of the town and it is easily accessible. It will be able to host events for 250 people and will have smaller spaces for smaller groups and individuals. As a former Generating Hall, the space has a strong industrial character, reflecting Loughborough’s heritage and engineering industries. This character will be retained through the retention of a number of existing features and through the avoidance of significant interventions in the building’s spaces. The building has strong associations with Loughborough’s industrial heritage and with the development of the towns Further and Higher Education institutions.

Interior of a large industrial-style space under construction, with scaffolding, ladders, and partially assembled furniture, including a large wooden structure in the center.

We believe that access to the arts should not be limited by location.

The completion of The Generator will be a significant step forward, as it extends access to the arts for rural areas and villages within Charnwood that currently face limitations in their ability to engage with the arts.

We are committed to actively support and engage communities in experiencing high-quality culture. We believe that culture has the power to unite, inspire and enrich the lives of individuals from all backgrounds. Through our programmes, partnerships & community-driven initiatives, we aim to create a space where diverse voices are celebrated, and cultural experiences are accessible to all.

A sculpture of a pregnant woman made from intertwined branches, holding a ball made of orange-colored twigs, in a forest setting.
A tunnel made of twisted tree branches in a forest with dirt ground and green trees.

We embrace collaboration and believe that working in partnership with other cultural organisations, institutions and communities is essential to enriching the cultural landscape of our community.

Close-up of a young person working with an electronic DIY project, connecting colorful wires and small glowing components, indoors with a blurred background.

Through strategic collaborations, we aim to create dynamic and innovative experiences that break down boundaries and bring diverse creative voices together. Our goal is to amplify the impact of the arts, cultivate a thriving cultural ecosystem, and foster meaningful connections that inspire creativity and engage our audience in new and exciting ways.