The Drum, Arts centre in Aston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
The Drum is an arts centre in Aston with two performance spaces: a main hall seating about 350 people and a smaller studio theatre holding roughly 120 spectators. The building also contains exhibition galleries, multimedia production studios, shared workspace areas, and various event rooms for different types of programming.
The building served as the Aston Hippodrome Theatre from 1908 to 1960, hosting famous performers including Charlie Chaplin, Laurel and Hardy, and Judy Garland during its time as a entertainment venue. Later repurposed in 1998, it became a dedicated centre for Black British and British Asian arts.
The venue takes its name from a percussion instrument and serves as a centre for Black British and British Asian artistic expression. Visitors encounter performances and exhibitions created by and for these communities.
Visitor hours may vary by area within the centre, so checking in advance helps plan your visit efficiently. The location is well served by public transport connections and most spaces are accessible for various mobility needs.
In 2019, the site gained recognition as a Legacy Centre of Excellence and is now considered Europe's largest independent Black-owned business and arts organisation. This status reflects its significance as a resource for Black artists and entrepreneurs across the continent.
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