LTB Showrooms is a self-funded Community Arts Venue.
We showcase Coventry’s vibrant diy culture scene - you’ll find us at Priory Visitor Centre (aka ‘PVC’) in Coventry.
Previously located at the Litten Tree Pub - now closed for demolition - LTB Showrooms has now teamed up with Coventry University Student Union (the current leaseholders at PVC) and set up a temporary home in this beautiful space.
New, regular opening hours mean that for the first time in several years, the public has an opportunity to access the building’s two levels, explore the gardens, Undercrofts, and, also check out LTB’s ongoing programme of community events & exhibitions, including art-making at our regular pop-up workshop, music themed nights, film screenings and open mic formats.
We’re adding more into the mix each month - with a full programme of activities available to all - so make sure to keep checking our social media regularly @ltbshowrooms for announcements.
LTB hopes to be able to confirm the longer term situation shortly, but meanwhile we’re currently open 12-4 Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays - plus occasional other times when we have events.
It all begins with an idea..
Maybe you want to display your art for the first time..?
or create an exhibition..?
collaborate, or get involved in an activity..?
or put on a music event?
Get in touch!
And don’t worry about not sounding too professional.
At LTB we just want to hear that you’ re passionate about what you want to do.
Ping an email to ltbopen22@gmail.com and we’ll see if we can help.
We’re self-funded, and run by volunteers - so there’s not alot of £, but we get lots done.
We try and say ‘yes’ as often as we can to interesting ideas - and make the process as quick & easy as possible.
LTB curates the space, but our approach is ‘hands off’ - we want Cov folks to be trying out ideas - so ‘doing it yourself’ is actively encouraged!
We’ve a community hire rate - but don’t be put off if this is a problem - there’s sometimes not even a charge for use if you’re proposing something not for profit, educational, and/or really interesting that the visiting public will benefit from.
We’re always happy to receive donations too tho - as that helps us pay the bills!
Most of all though, LTB provides a welcoming, informal and accessible safe-space - for everyone in the community.
And don’t worry too much about not ticking boxes! :(
LTB is the idea of Alan Denyer, a local arts champion who believes characterful spaces can be an important catalyst for unlocking creative potential, and making the wider community feel they’re part of something special. This in turn helps to boost the city centre’s appeal to people who had gotten out of the habit of visiting regularly, and differentiate Coventry’s offer to those outside of the region.
We reckon a vibrant, grassroots diy arts & culture scene helps give the city authentic ‘buzz’ and character - however the LTB space operates in a unique, informal way so as to make it interesting for non-arts visitors too - introducing people into the mix who perhaps think ‘arts isn’t for them’.
LTB isn’t really a regular arts venue either; we aim to have a mix of all sorts of activities and exhibits in the two buildings - which themselves are a bit of a star. Built in 2002 to showcase some of the archeaology of Coventry’s recently excavated 900 yr old first Cathedral - St Mary’s Priory Cathedral, demolished in 1539 by King Henry VIII - the architecture, gardens, waterfall pool, and unique Cathedral Quarter location are one of the city’s hidden gems - with many also believing it be the last resting place of Countess Godiva and Lord Leofric who endowed the original Priory, built on this same spot in 1043 :)
We want to give the creative scene in Cov more visibility ——>
examples
Display opportunities
Visual arts / sculpture / fashion
Idea try outs
Film a video / Rehearsals
Workshops
Making art
Learning new skills
Community Groups
Events
Film screenings / Dj nights
Local bands/music
Makers markets
Open mic
Comedy
Brand launch / presentations Community Gatherings
LTB is located in what was previously the Priory Visitor Centre (aka ‘PVC’) - its just behind Nandos (New Buildings/Trinity St) - or you can approach via the elevated walkway near Holy Trinity Church.
We have a small bar, and cafe - both open whenever we have events.
The Priory Undercroft space (just around the corner) is now also available for events and activities; fascinating ruined cellars that were once part of the monks living quarters - with a spiral staircase leading up to where the Cathedral Chapter House once stood
We’ve recently re-opened these areas to the public - so you can look around next time you visit (just ask any of our volunteers for an access pincode at the main PVC building).
The Undercroft is situated on the east side of Priory Square, right next to ‘Hill Top’ Medieval cobbled street - approx 90 seconds walk from our main entrance).
