Who are we

About the Apollo Pavilion Projects Community Interest Company

About

In common with much Brutalist art and architecture, the Pavilion has a complex and divisive history. Yet Victor Pasmore has an international reputation for his re-imagining of art, architecture and how we experience the built environment.

We began life as the Apollo Pavilion Community Association (APCA), which tirelessly campaigned for the restoration of the Pavilion. This lobbying along with increased interest in Pasmore’s work led to substantive refurbishment in 2009 and two years later the Pavilion was awarded the protection of a Grade II* Heritage Status, putting it among the most important five percent of buildings in this country.

In 2022 the APCA became Apollo Pavilion Projects CiC. We aim to safeguard Pasmore’s social and cultural legacy by furthering the preservation and promotion of the Pavilion and by informing public understanding of Pasmore’s wider contribution to the planning and development of the social and built environment. We do this by advocacy and building partnerships and by producing and commissioning high quality public events and stimulating education programmes.

A message from our Chair

david-taylor-gooby.webpThe Apollo Pavilion was first constructed as part of the Peterlee New Town in 1969 by the artist Victor Pasmore. It was first maintained by the Peterlee Development Corporation but was later transferred in 1978 to the District Council of Easington. The Council did not have the resources or expertise to look after it properly and it fell into disrepair. Some locals campaigned for it to be demolished.  I was a member of the District Council at the time, and along with a group of artists and academics campaigned for it not only to be maintained but restored. We formed the Apollo Pavilion Community Association which later became a Community Interest Company, Apollo Pavilion Projects (APP). Our campaigning paid off and in 2009 the Pavilion was restored and awarded the status of a Listed II building.  Sufficient funding was obtained from the National Lottery and the Council to do it.

At the APP we are proud that Peterlee has an artwork which is internationally recognised and unique. (Although Victor Pasmore planned another one, this was the only one to be built)  The Company exists both to campaign to keep the Pavilion (now owned by the County Council) in good condition, but also organises events centred round it, and we have held concerts and other events.

APP CIC Directors

  • David Taylor-Gooby (Chair)
  • Dean Wild (Secretary & Treasurer)
  • Alison Lister
  • Colin Robson
  • Susan McDonnell
  • Louise Fenwick
  • Rochelle Laine

Become a member

We are currently accepting membership to join our team of volunteers who strive to put Peterlee on the map and to bring the Arts to our community. 

Membership is just £5.00 per year. To join please click the link below to subscribe using PayPal.