Background information
The Riverfront is a multi functional venue that seeks to bring as many people as possible into contact with the arts and creativity, whether as spectators or active participants. It does this through a programme of performances, film screenings, exhibitions, classes and workshops and also offers the facilities available to hire. Up to 180 professional performances, 110 film screenings and 550 workshops are directly managed and promoted by The Riverfront every year, which is 26 events or activities on average that take place each week.
As The Riverfront and the activities that take place within it are so diverse, the overall brand is split into four sub-brands:
- Presenting Theatre
- Arts Centre
- Community Facility
- Corporate Venue
The Riverfront’s Three Core Values are:
The Riverfront is at the heart of the arts and entertainment scene in Newport.
The Riverfront will ensure access for a wide range of the city’s population to enrich their lives with the highest quality of participation and audience experience.
The Riverfront will be a leading venue in Wales, by offering a broad spectrum of creative arts, the combination of which cannot be found elsewhere in Wales.
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The Riverfront is Newport’s only presenting theatre and arts centre and has two theatre spaces, two visual art galleries, dance studio, recording studio, three workshop rooms, conference room and licensed café.
The 493 capacity Theatre (pdf) is equipped to present the best of the arts and entertainment world with a diverse programme mix of comedy, opera, dance, music and drama.
The Studio (pdf) seats 128 and offers a more intimate experience, where boundaries are pushed and emotions pulled with regular comedy club nights, classical music concerts and a more challenging performance and film programme.
There are three Visual Art Gallery Spaces which present a stimulating programme of free exhibitions and events covering many aspects of art, design and photography. There is also a selection of Public Art (pdf) in and around the building.
The Riverfront foyer also displays and sells a small selection of locally hand crafted cards, pottery and jewellery. Books, toys, stationery and arts/crafts packs are also available for sale at prices to suit every pocket.
Sweets, ice-creams, selected show merchandise and programmes can also be purchased before a show and during the interval.
There is a small cloakroom that charges 50p per item and we are happy to look after your pushchair for the duration of a show.
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The Riverfront - a potted history
Find out about the campaign for an arts centre in Newport, discoveries unearthed during building and how The Riverfront got its name in a Potted History of The Riverfront.
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The Riverfront is owned, managed and funded by Newport City Council and was awarded a lottery grant by the Arts Council of Wales towards the construction of the building and a grant by the Welsh Assembly Government towards the construction of the purpose built gallery and preservation and conservation of the mediaeval ship.
