Chapter

Chapter is an arts centre in Canton, a district of Cardiff. It occupies a former school built in 1905 and opened as an arts venue in 1971. The centre programmes films, plays, performance art and live music alongside a free gallery. A café and two bars serve visitors, and over sixty work spaces host training courses and other activities. The building also contains two film theatres and two theatres of different sizes. The centre’s income comes partly from its film programme, which shows Hollywood releases alongside foreign and independent films. Arts Council for Wales provides a major annual grant. In the 2000s the building was remodelled by Ash Sakula Architects, adding a light box above the entrance and creating an open-plan ground floor. After the refurbishment visitor numbers doubled to 800,000 a year, making it the second most popular attraction in Cardiff. Visitors find a welcoming ground floor with the café, shop and gallery. Upstairs and in the light box area changing exhibitions display contemporary art. The two film theatres screen a varied programme, and the theatres host performances. Bars open for events, and work spaces support artists and courses. The building’s mix of old and new details offers a lively place to spend time.