POCKLINGTON Arts Centre is planning to announce a series of online events as it continues to “weather this storm” after closing temporarily due to the coronavirus crisis.

The popular venue closed to the public in March following the Government’s advice for people to avoid non-essential contact.

It has been working with artists and agents to reschedule the whole of the venue’s spring/summer 20th anniversary season and most, if not all, shows are being transferred to late 2020 and into 2021.

It is now planning to increase its online artistic output.

PAC director, Janet Farmer, said: “It was heartbreaking to have to postpone the majority of the venue’s 20th anniversary celebrations but the safety of our audience members, performers, staff, volunteers and wider community has to come first. We intend to turn these events into 21st anniversary celebrations next year.”

She added: “During this period, we believe it is critically important that PAC continues to support its staff, artists and creative partners.

“We are working closely with our peers, across the region and indeed the country, on collaborative projects during the closure period and we hope to announce a series of online activities and events very soon.

“Whilst we will be increasing the venue’s online artistic output, we are very aware there is no substitute to watching a live performance and sharing this experience with fellow audience members. We, like all of our customers, look forward to the time when this can resume.”

After closing in March, PAC set up a crowdfunding page on Just Giving to help “secure its long-term future,” which has attracted more than £6,400 in donations. The venue has also been boosted by customers who have been donating their ticket refunds from cancelled and/or rescheduled events.

It has now raised in excess of £9,000 from crowdfunding and customer ticket refund donations.

“The public response to the venue’s prolonged closure, due to Covid-19, has been wonderful,” Janet said. “PAC is determined to weather this storm and emerge from this challenge stronger and more vibrant than ever.”