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Music Business students help design and create new arts and performance space

University of Gloucestershire students have played key roles in the launch of a new arts and performance setting in Cheltenham, gaining significant industry experience alongside their academic learning.

Students from the University’s BA (Hons) Music Business programme collaborated with a team from The Bottle of Sauce pub to design and install a multi-functional stage, complete with full audio-visual kit and PA system, in a former backroom canteen.

Starting with a site visit between University technical and academic staff at the beginning of the year, the project incorporates a mix of consultation and design, as well as equipping the venue using repurposed audio technology donated by the University.

Andrew Lansley, Senior Lecturer in Music Business within the University’s School of Creative Industries, said: “The creation of the new Bottle of Sauce arts and performance space is typical of the community minded spirit of the team at the pub. 

“They’ve been working with eight BA Music Business undergraduates, facilitating their learning, in both the planning and installation of the multi-functional space, as well as contributing to the curation and scheduling of upcoming live events.

“By working so closely with the University, the Bottle of Sauce are creating a social foundation that serves the younger community, providing a place for them to showcase their talent, and ease their entry into the creative industries.”

General Manager of The Bottle of Sauce, Rob Sanders with Senior Lecturer Andrew Lansley at the University of Gloucestershire at the new venue created with equipment donated by the University
General Manager of The Bottle of Sauce, Rob Sanders (left), with Senior Lecturer, Andrew Lansley, at the new venue created with equipment donated by the University

The collaboration between the University and The Bottle of Sauce venue forms part of an ongoing remit between the pub and Out of the Box Productions: a company comprising final-year BA Music Business students that coordinates industry facing practice across music cohorts with sector leaders.

The relationship provides students with opportunities to experience regular programming and establish a base to explore venue-based sustainable practices further.

Launching on 24 March, the new space will be fully inclusive, with a regular line-up of events, including open mic nights, bands, DJs, comedy, spoken word.

Bottle of Sauce Manager, Rob Sanders, said: “I am proud to say that we have a longstanding relationship of working with Andrew Lansley and students, and it has been an absolute pleasure pulling this project together. 

“We want this venue to become a fully inclusive performance hub, where everyone is welcome, creating a platform for artists, as well as providing valuable experience facilitating students in their first career steps.

“We want to thank the University for their generous donation of equipment and specifically, Andrew Lansley, for his unfailing passion and enthusiasm supporting his students in both their learning and onward journeys.  We are very proud to be a part of this, and it’s been excellent fun too.”

Main picture: Bottle of Sauce Manager, Rob Sanders, briefing Music Business students from the University