Our Story
Everyone deserves the chance to experience the arts, regardless of age, background, income or experience. Alara Community Arts CIC was created in Knowsley to remove barriers to creativity and help people learn, perform, make, connect and belong. Our ambition is to establish a welcoming creative home in Kirkby alongside programmes that reach into the wider community.
Creativity at the heart
Our Mission
To create inclusive opportunities through theatre, music, comedy, visual arts, creative learning and community-led activity — building confidence, wellbeing, skills and connection.
Our Vision
A thriving, accessible creative hub for Kirkby, connected to communities across Knowsley and shaped by the people it serves.
Our Values
Creativity • Inclusion • Opportunity • Collaboration • Community • Care
Where we are now
Alara has moved from early vision into practical development. We are progressing a prospective town-centre home at 9 Market Square while building the programmes, partnerships, governance and funding needed to open responsibly.
The space
Property approvals, legal documentation, site assessment and fit-out planning are progressing. The venue is prospective until those steps are complete.
The programmes
We are developing accessible arts, wellbeing, performance, skills and community activity shaped around local needs and opportunities.
The partnerships
Relationships with residents, community organisations, public services, funders and businesses are helping turn the idea into a sustainable community asset.
Community interest, built in
As a Community Interest Company limited by guarantee, Alara exists to create community benefit. Its directors are responsible for governance, safeguarding, financial oversight and keeping the organisation focused on its social purpose.
Our leaders
Alara is led by a board of directors working collectively across strategy, community benefit, safeguarding, finance and delivery.
Leadership profiles
Ant Canavan
Founder and Director
Danii Canavan
Founder and Director
Katie Buckingham
Director
Aaron Pearce
Director
Alara Community Arts CIC 