People in Bognor Regis and beyond are being invited to put their name on a seat at the new Alexandra Arts Centre as part of a fundraising campaign launched this week.

The Sponsor a Seat scheme gives local residents, businesses and supporters of the arts the chance to have their name displayed on a seat in the new auditorium, while helping Arun Arts, the charity behind the Centre, get the new venue ready for its opening.

There are three sponsorship options:

Five years – £250

People in Bognor Regis and beyond are being invited to put their name on a seat at the new Alexandra Arts Centre as part of a fundraising campaign launched this week. Picture: Alexandra Arts Centre

placeholder image — People in Bognor Regis and beyond are being invited to put their name on a seat at the new Alexandra Arts Centre as part of a fundraising campaign launched this week. Picture: Alexandra Arts Centre

10 years – £450

Lifetime – £1,000

The campaign was launched at an event on September 3, attended by local councillors, businesses, Arun Arts supporters, artists, creatives and community representatives.

Guests heard more about the redevelopment and Arun Arts’ plans for the new Centre, as well as getting an early look at the Sponsor a Seat scheme.

Ollie Jeffery, chair of Arun Arts, said the campaign was about more than simply putting people’s names on auditorium seats.

He said: “You’re not really buying a seat — you’re investing in the people who are going to sit in it.

“The public investment is creating an incredible new building for our community. Our job as the charity behind the Alexandra Arts Centre is to fill that building with life — with performances, creativity, opportunities and experiences for people of all ages.

“Every seat sponsored helps us equip and establish the Centre for the future. And just think about what those seats are going to see over the years: a child watching their first pantomime, a family making memories together, a young performer taking their first bow, or a room full of people laughing — and occasionally crying, hopefully for the right reasons.

“Those seats will be part of thousands of memories. By sponsoring one, you can be part of that story too.”

The Alexandra Arts Centre is currently being redeveloped to create a new arts and cultural venue for Bognor Regis and the surrounding area.

The building itself is being funded through significant public investment. Arun Arts is raising additional money to help equip the Centre and support its programme of performances, community events and creative activities once it opens.

Anyone interested in sponsoring a seat can find out more at www.alexandraartscentre.org.uk and select Sponsor a Seat.