Date: 13 June, 2011

The Crescent Arts Centre, Belfast recently underwent an extensive refurbishment and extension which was this month voted Northern Ireland’s Building project of the year by the RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors).

The University Road scheme involved the significant refurbishment and extension of one of Belfast’s most historic listed buildings (dated 1873). The refurbishment of the Crescent Arts Centre is part of a wider government strategy to bring venues here up to an international standard and was supported by a substantial investment from the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL), Arts Council of Northern Ireland (ACNI), Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA), Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), Ulster Garden Villages Trust and BIFFAwards along with public donations and Crescent funds.

With a prominent location in the University area, the refurbished Centre retains its historic Victorian features while providing a range of state-of-the art facilities including multi-purpose spaces for the 200 weekly classes and workshops in various artforms and performance facilities for theatre and live music.

NIAVAC worked with the project managers to plan the audio visual aspects to support the performance and workshop spaces. Their engineers installed Onelan digital signage throughout key points in the building, an interactive white board in the teaching rooms, a state-of-the-art plasma in the board room, and a Panasonic High Brightness/HD projector with an impressive five metre tab tension HD screen in the ‘Cube’ theatre space.

Manager Dr Keith Acheson says the integration of the technology has given the centre an extra dimension both in terms of service provision and income.

“We use the Onelan digital signage system in the reception area and it’s a brilliant way to promote our upcoming events to visitors, particularly those using our coffee shop and visiting the gallery spaces. We also add press clippings and pull Crescent references from the web to further promote our work and achievements to the many community groups and businesses that support the centre.

“The large projector and automated HD screen that was installed by NIAVAC in the Cube performance area opens up the space to so many uses and commercially it gives us a competitive edge.”

As well as being attractive to drama and dance groups who can project atmospheric backdrops onto the screen, Keith says the room is also popular for small conferences, product launches and corporate events.

“We also host club nights in the Cube with VJs who love using the technology available to them, and again it opens the centre up to a whole new audience of potential users,” Keith adds.

If you are interested in upgrading your audio visual requirements please contact NIAVAC for a free consultancy visit or visit our showroom for advice.

NIAVAC, Conlavon House, 5 Prince Regent Road, Belfast, BT5 6QR
Tel (028) 9079 3000
www.niavac.com