Meet the Attractions: Curzon Cinema & Arts

North Somerset is home to many wonderful and unique businesses and organisations. This month, we’re delighted to introduce Andrew Caddy from the Curzon Cinema & Arts.

Click here to view Curzon Cinema and Arts Season Three!

How did The Curzon Cinema Start and how has it developed?

The ‘Picture House’ in Clevedon opened to the public in 1912, making it one of the oldest purpose-built cinemas in the country. It was the passion project of a group of cinephiles, led by a local family, who had developed popular screening nights in the Town Hall. The original cinema was expanded in 1923 to become the grand auditorium with a balcony that still welcomes audiences today.

We were rebranded as ‘The Curzon’ in 1956 (although it isn’t part of the chain) and became an independent charity in 1996 when the cinema was saved from administration by the community. A huge amount of work has been carried out since by paid staff and generous volunteers to renovate and restore the cinema to the highest modern standards. We boast the latest digital projection and Dolby surround sound, event lighting and sound equipment, and last year reopened our balcony which was shut to the public for 50 years (come and try out the comfy armchairs!).

Why did you decide to base yourself in North Somerset?

The cinema has been a part of life in North Somerset for generations, serving as the site of countless first dates and initial trips to the movies. Building such a large cinema in a town of 5,000 inhabitants (in 1912) was a bold vision, but the Curzon has since become a cultural landmark.

North Somerset boasts a strong cultural community that we’re lucky to be a part of, with numerous arts organisations such as the Clevedon Literature Festival, Nailsea Folk Club, ArtPort, Theatre Shop, North Somerset Arts, and Clevedon Art Club, to name just a few. Additionally, a variety of independent businesses host events ranging from author talks to live music. Our audiences are creative and curious, making this the perfect place to produce and promote an adventurous program of contemporary arts.

How do you attract talented staff?

We’re a small but dynamic team of 15 people at the Curzon, who work tirelessly to deliver our diverse program. On the rare occasion that we advertise for jobs, we are fortunate to receive many applications as people love who we are and what we do. We pay our staff the Real Living Wage, offer appropriate training, and strive for the highest ethical standards in both the way we run the cinema and the respect we have for each other.

In addition to our paid staff, we have around 100 volunteers who welcome customers, maintain the building, play the organ, and look after our extensive archive. We recruit volunteers three to four times a year and are always on the lookout for people who can play the organ to a good standard and wish to perform before screenings!

We recognise the need to diversify our workforce and are eager to hear from individuals historically underrepresented in our volunteer and staff groups who might like to work (vacancies depending) or volunteer with us.

What have been your biggest challenges?

Our biggest challenge is delivering a year-round program of live events with a small but very hard-working team. Over the past year, we’ve hosted live events ranging from comedy nights featuring performers like Josie Long and Gary Delaney to music performances by the Fantasy Orchestra and Bristol Brass Band. These events are incredibly fun for both staff and audiences but require extensive planning and effort on the night!

Like the vast majority of arts organisations in North Somerset, we receive no regular, guaranteed grant funding, so we rely heavily on the support of our audiences. Finances are a constant juggle as we strive to stay afloat while keeping ticket prices accessible—but hey, that’s the same for everyone in the arts!

What are your plans for the future?

On July 21st, we are excited to launch Season Three, our third curated series of unique screenings and events.

While we don’t want to reveal too much (you’ll need to check our website or pick up a brochure!), our programming will continue to focus on themes of endurance and hope through Outdoor Adventures, exploring the Connections within and between our local and global communities, and the intersections of film, music, visual art, and literature. Additionally, with live comedy, live music, and a special lineup of Christmas favourites, there’s truly something for everyone!

What have been your proudest moments?

There have been so many during the 18months I’ve worked at the Curzon! Perhaps it was exhaustion, but I think my proudest moment was at the end of the two-day ‘Green Shift Festival’ that we ran in partnership with Sustainable Clevedon in April.

During the festival we had presentations, Q&A panels, a political husting with all the local parliamentary candidates discussing their climate agenda, a comedian, a folk band, and ‘The Junkoactive Wasteman’ – a tin can armour clad trio of drummer sand dancers. In addition to all of that we held a screening of films made by students from local schools as well as having stands in the foyer where they discussed environmental projects they’re working on as part of the curriculum with over 100 attendees.

It was the first time since installing our new light and sound equipment that we managed an event of this complexity and the staff and volunteers were amazing. It was such an impactful, sometimes joyful, sometimes hopeful, sometimes harrowing weekend that showcased the best ways we can work as part of our community to facilitate conversations and bring people together. I remember looking around at our team, many of whom had been there all weekend, and being so excited about the kinds of projects we’d be able to work on together in the future. 

To find out more about the Curzon Cinema & Arts, please visit www.curzon.org.uk and be sure to check in from 21st July 2024 for details on Season Three!