Deluxe Cinema to be Transformed into National Performing Arts Center
At Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting, plans to repurpose the historic Deluxe Cinema building on High Street into a National Performing Arts Center were launched.
The initiative aims to provide a dedicated home for the Antigua and Barbuda Youth Symphony Orchestra (ABYSO) and establish a Theatre for the Performing Arts.
Construction is set to begin immediately, with an anticipated completion date in late 2026, aligning with the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) to be hosted in Antigua.
The renovation plans come as part of a broader effort to enhance the cultural infrastructure of the island.
Currently, the Deluxe Cinema is occupied by a tenant, and formal notice will be given for the relocation of those individuals to facilitate the redevelopment.
Once completed, the new center is expected to serve as a vibrant hub for the arts, providing invaluable resources for local schools.
Students involved in Theatre Arts and Drama competitions are particularly excited, as they will be able to utilize the facility for their educational and creative pursuits.
As the project moves forward, community leaders express optimism that the National Performing Arts Center will foster a deeper appreciation of the arts and enrich the cultural landscape of Antigua and Barbuda.
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