WORCESTER Arts Workshop will officially open its new performance area, The Third Space, today with an Open Mic Night from 7pm.

Director of Transformation at Worcester Arts Workshop, Hannah Phillips said: “This project is not just about launching a cafe bar, it is about a further platform at Worcester Arts Workshop for emerging talent and creating a community arts hub.”

The Third Space is an intimate performance area, within the recently refurbished cafe bar. The versatile performance space can be used for music, spoken word, small scale performances and exhibitions.

The current exhibition on display in The Third Place is by artist Jack Shepherd. Nouvus Stratum, which features a selection of Jack’s vibrant paintings, runs until 23 December.

Launching The Third Space Open Mic Night will be a host of local up-and-coming musicians, including Worcester based singer-songwriter Poppy WS.

A spokesman said: “Poppy WS, who performed at the Worcester Arts Workshop Launch Event earlier this month, is described as a multi-instrumentalist with a classical style blended with soul. Her energy and music contrasts between reggae rhythms to jazz piano covers and original material, making for both a heart-warming and engaging performance.

“Recent changes to Worcester Art Workshop, under the new leadership of Hannah Phillips, have seen the public spaces refurbished and the programme of events re-imagined. As part of this transformation, The Third Space has been created to encourage budding performers and to help attract wider audiences. “

Cafe Bar Manager Gregory Smith said; “We hope that the Cafe Bar at Worcester Arts Workshop ‘The Third Space’ will establish a new space in which people want to socialise, enjoy great food and drink be creative and basically have fun. Having The Third Space as a performance area within Worcester Arts Workshop will be a wonderful way to spread the creative flow throughout the building.”