Battersea Arts Centre merges with Wandsworth Museum

Battersea Arts Centre (BAC) today announced it is to merge with the nearby Wandsworth Museum, while placing its 2015 programming focus on productions from regions across the UK.

Speaking to media at the venue this morning, artistic director David Jubb said that BAC would use its 'scratch' system, founded 15 years ago, to find the best way of integrating the museum's exhibits into the venue.

The museum specialises in local artefacts that "embody the rich social, political geographical history of the borough".

Jubb also revealed details of the venue's 2015 programme, which will include guest performances from over 30 theatres and companies from across the country, including Cornwall's Kneehigh and Liverpool's Everyman. A partnership with the Guardian newspaper titled A Nation's Theatre will explore themes raised by the productions through a series of "curated public debates".

The venue's aim for the year, said Jubb, is to "shine a light" on the work of companies outside of London, and raise questions about how to bring more work into the capital, including through live streaming.

Palestine's Freedom Theatre will perform its production The Siege from 19-23 May. The play centres on a group of Palestenian fighters who took refuge in the church of the nativity in Bethlehem for 39 days in 2002.

And creator Jim Whiting, known for turning everyday objects into extraordinary displays, will create his first new work in two decades at BAC in November.

This year will also see the final phase of the venue's capital revelopment project, with architect Steve Tompkins saying the results will create "one of the most radical arts buildings in the world". More information can be found at playgroundprojects.bac.org.uk.