rising sun - ProfilesArchive

About Me

In November 1990 a group of artists first squatted this building in Silver St. with the intention of creating an alternative, non mainstream art space in Reading. Since then the Rising Sun has been through innumerable changes and a number of crisis points where the future looked bleak to say the least. Now we are reasonably secure but only through the hard work of many, many people who work to keep the Centre going.
The Rising Sun's building was constructed in the nineteenth century as a Temperance House among the then massed ranks of pubs and other houses of ill repute in Silver Street . It was built to the design of the architect Alfred Waterhouse - who was also responsible for the far grander Natural History Museum in London. Architecture fans may notice his bold use of terracotta and patterned brick work feature in the design of both buildings. The main building is now listed as Grade 2 by English Heritage.
We involve volunteers in all aspects of the Centre's work. People get involved with our work as performers, artists, or promoters, by taking part in classes or workshops, by becoming involved in one of our participatory arts projects or by helping to run the Centre itself.
We've tried to stay true to the original aims of the Rising Sun 'Institute' and keep the intentions of its founders alive. Although we do indeed serve alcohol - including a splendid range of organic beers! - the Rising Sun still aims to improve the quality of life for everyone. We remain independent, run by local people, putting on ground level events which are not catered for elsewhere in the town.

Myspace Layouts - Myspace Editor

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 17/10/2006
Band Website: www.risingsun-artscentre.co.uk
Type of Label: Major

My Blog

Falling Asleep At The Keyboard (This Week's Events)

I know this is a little later than usual but I've been feeling rather sleepy all evening, I started typing this up whan I started to nod off. I then made the near fatal mistake of turning on the radi...
Posted by on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:42:00 GMT

Blowing One's Own Trumpet

Yes indeed, you might be interested to know that Carry On Up The Khazi raised over £300 last week, which was more than us and Kev's Bar Staff Collective were expecting. And that means the new improve...
Posted by on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:56:00 GMT

Is Summer Meant To Be Warm?

Seriously folks, even though I use these mailouts to talk about the weather I do have to ask this week.I mean, given that Glastonbury has just passed and Wimbledon fortnight is still with us you would...
Posted by on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:03:00 GMT

Writer's Block Strikes Again (This Week's Events)

I really can't top last week's Father's Day-related vignette, so this week I'm just going to leap straight in and tell you what you have for you down at the Rising Sun this weekend..First of all, Frid...
Posted by on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:06:00 GMT

"Well Dad, I saw this, and I thought of you" (This Week's Events)

Yes folks, Father's Day is upon us once more, and not surprisingly various papers and magazines are filled with the sort of gift ideas that no-one in their right mind would normally buy. I won't go i...
Posted by on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 11:45:00 GMT

My Memory's Going (This Week's Events)

Seriously enough, I think that might be true!Maybe it's the onset of (almost) old age, but I'm pretty sure there was something vital I was meant to be doing right now.But while I try and remember what...
Posted by on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 10:32:00 GMT

In A Bit of A Rush (This Wek's Events)

I've got a couple of things to do at this very moment, so you'll be spared my usual football and/or weather related ramblings this week.We have two events for your delectation this weekend.First of al...
Posted by on Thu, 04 Jun 2009 10:56:00 GMT

I'd Love It If Chelsea Lose On Saturday (and some events)

... But more about that in a moment!Just the two events to tell you about this weekend, but we still think they're good enoughto make you want to come down ;oDFirst of all, Friday, and we biring you a...
Posted by on Thu, 28 May 2009 12:56:00 GMT

Yet Another Bank Holiday At The Rising Sun

Yes folks, it's another weekend and another Bank Holiday, and as I look out my window some of those clouds do look a little ominous... now that I've got the obligatory mention of the weather out of th...
Posted by on Thu, 21 May 2009 10:51:00 GMT

Ooh, Is It Thursday Evening Again?

Indeed, only seems like yesterday that I was making a snowman in the front garden, but it's the middel of May already, the weather has got slightly warmer, and we're getting rain instead of snow.Anywa...
Posted by on Thu, 14 May 2009 10:58:00 GMT