Download a PDF of the January – June 2012 programme here (16 pages). Alternatively contact the Burton to be added to our mailing list and be sent a copy. If you are already on our mailing list you should receive your programme in the next few days.
Alongside the launch of the latest programme and with the New Year beginning it seems an appropriate moment to reflect on the past year and some interesting Burton facts. So I hope you’ll enjoy this insight into the Burton and be inspired to join in an event, sign up for a workshop or visit an exhibition.
Since 2008 when Bideford Tourist Information joined the Burton to provide a combined service we have seen our visitor numbers increase from 100,000 a year to 153,000 visitors in 2010/11. This year we are on target to beat that number and are expecting to receive 160,000 visitors through the door.
In 2011 we joined forces with Devon County Councils Adult and Community Learning programme and our adult workshops became part of their delivery. Keen to work with the Burton because of the unique range of workshops we offer and our access to artists (local and national) to deliver those workshops, in 2011 we ran a programme of 15 adult workshops with over 120 participants. Income generated by the workshops enables us to offer many of our family activities for free – for example - the 60th anniversary lantern parade celebration.
Our children’s workshops in 2011 attracted 141 participants, encouraged by imaginative titles and activities and lead by Karen Hawkins, local public artist, and Sally Fulcher from Holsworthy Family Workshops. The workshops were supported by the Don’t Stop Me Now scheme (of which we had 7 participants), and were a run away success.
Visits by schools, college and groups have increased dramatically with over 1050 pupils visiting the exhibitions and permanent collections supported by the Learning Development Officer, Julian Vayne (a role funded externally). The importance of this role (or one similar) to attracting school visits has been confirmed through these numbers, as a significant drop in school and group visits had been noted since the restructure. This is one area we will be focusing on in 2012, with our aim to seek additional funding to ensure the learning role is maintained.
Our weekly under 5’s art sessions, led predominately by volunteers, has attracted over 600 participants, (under 5’s and parents) and covers its own costs through donations. In addition our events programme, ranging from Murder at the Burton to a Film Screening by Bideford Film Society of Horrid Henry, our Big Draw event, the Lantern Parade and the series of Exhibition Talks and Tours have been attended by over 1550 people.
Since 2008 we have built up a pool of volunteers, with a variety of expertise, skills, age ranges and time to offer, all of whom have given their time and commitment with enthusiasm and passion. In return many of them have felt closer to their local community, learnt more about the arts and heritage and often expanded their own skills base as well as their confidence. In 2011 we’ve clocked up approx 400 volunteer hours the equivalent of £2850.
With regards to income, we’ve increased our retail income through the shop by 85% since 2008 by stocking products that meet our visitors’ demands and compliment the Burton’s unique identity, exhibitions and collections as well as provision for holidaymakers. This year income through donations has been a huge success, with visitors directly showing their support for the service we provide. In less than 9 months donations given by the public at the door has exceeded our expectations’ achieving over £2500. The Friends have increased their annual contribution to the exhibitions programme to £5000 and continue to support the Young Friends scheme and contribute to conservation needs.
Not including the funding connected to the RJ Lloyd Collection, we’ve also increased external funding, receiving just under £18,000 in the last 3 years, which directly funded a number of projects including; Torridge Tales on Tiles; Under 5’s Kids Krate; Children’s Art Day and Family Trail within the museum display, as well as organisational and staff development.
As a discretionary council service, during this time we’ve also decreased our reliance on funding from Torridge District Council, saving £40,000 by merging the tourist information centre and the Burton to create a combined service, and by continuing to examine our actual costs and raise income targets – even in this financial climate. We continue to strive to be value for money and in 2010/11 our net operating costs were £152,000.
Other highlights of 2011 include: The Burton’s 60th anniversary, including 300 people participating in the Lantern parade round Victoria park; launching the Own Art Scheme (an interest free loan of up to £2000 to purchase contemporary art payable in 10 monthly instalments and operated by the Arts Council England); over 280 people attending the opening of Howard Hodgkin’s Prints exhibition, many of whom met Howard himself; and launching the Burton’s Facebook pages – keeping our audiences up to date with our every move. (Don't forget to LIKE us on facebook)
2012 promises to bring even more exciting times. Many of you will notice the new look café, as Café du Parc has had a re-vamp over the Christmas closure, as well as the stylish Craft Gallery with its new lick of paint designed to show off the work to its best ability. Building on the success of the Lantern Parade this year and to coincide with the Olympics we will be attempting to break a world record – for the world’s longest bunting. Wrap the Burton in Bunting will take place on the 21st May celebrating the Olympic Torch coming through Bideford.
So – we look forward to welcoming you to the Burton and wish you a happy 2012.
