Latest News

Ambitious scheme to create world-class cultural hub back on track after appointment of new contractor 

GRAHAM has been appointed as the new contractor to complete work on the City Centre Cultural Gateway (CCCG).  Construction on the pioneering cultural project was paused in September when the previous contractor, ISG, entered administration.  The scheme, housed within what was an IKEA store, will become a landmark destination in Coventry bringing together multiple local, […]

Recognition for three of CV Life’s fantastic apprentices

CV Life is pleased to share the news three of our apprentices have been recognised for their hard work after being nominated for Most Promising Apprentice. The nominations, which you can vote for now, come from further education provider Aspire as part of celebrations for National Apprentice Week which runs from 10 February to 17 […]

CV Life’s HAF programme brings holiday cheer across leisure and culture venues

CV Life delivered an extensive Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme this Christmas school holiday, offering a wide range of activities across its leisure and cultural venues.  The programme, funded to support children and families, was designed to provide enriching experiences during the festive period. The leisure side of the HAF programme was particularly busy, […]

CV Life introduces Cosy Corner – warm hubs for Coventry communities across city venues

As the colder months set in, CV Life is offering a lifeline to Coventry residents with the launch of Cosy Corner, a series of warm hubs designed to provide safe, welcoming spaces for people to connect, stay warm, and enjoy low-cost refreshments. Located across CV Life’s facilities, including Centre AT7, The Alan Higgs Centre, Coventry […]

CV Life’s Engage! mascot design competition open now for children across Coventry and Warwickshire

A Coventry initiative which helps children manage their mental health and physical wellbeing through the power of sport is holding a mascot competition open to schools in the region. CV Life’s Engage! programme has been delivering workshops and events in schools in Coventry for a number of years.The aim of the programme is to enrich […]

CV Life installs delivery lockers across leisure venues

CV Life has introduced InPost parcel lockers at two of its venues, offering a convenient and secure way for the local community to collect and drop off parcels. The lockers, which are fully automated and available 24/7, are already being used by visitors who value the flexibility of choosing their own collection and drop-off times. […]

Meet inaugural Modern Apprentices who have found careers and friendship at CV Life

Building relationships at work can occasionally be taken for granted. Often we’re thrown together with random people with different lives and interests, if you’re lucky you get along with those you work closely with, if you’re very lucky you might build a friendship. But how often do people get thrown together on their first day […]

Popular new sport available to play at Moat House now

A growing sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis has arrived in Coventry, with Moat House Community and Leisure Centre now offering Pickleball sessions to residents. The sport is played on a smaller court using paddles and a perforated ball, making it accessible to people of all ages and abilities. It’s an […]

Herbert celebrates one year of Doze Under Dippy events

The Herbert Art Gallery and Museum is celebrating one year of its popular Doze Under Dippy sleepover events, which have welcomed families, Scouts, Brownies, and schools to a unique night spent under the gaze of the iconic Dippy, the Nation’s Favourite Dinosaur. Since the launch of the programme in November 2023, hundreds of participants have […]

CV Life pledges support to Armed Forces community with signing of the Armed Forces Covenant

CV Life has officially pledged its support to the Armed Forces community by signing the Armed Forces Covenant. This week, CEO Paul Breed attended a signing ceremony held at Shire Hall in Warwick to mark the occasion, joining businesses and organisations dedicated to ensuring fair treatment for those who serve or have served in the […]

Meet Sully, the CV Life duty manager using his experience to steer youngsters away from a life of crime

In one of the most deprived areas of Coventry, Sleiman Mbarouk, better known as Sully, is on a mission to guide young people away from the dangers of gang culture and knife crime.  A former Coventry City footballer, Sully grew up in and around the neighbouring areas of Henley Green and Wood End. This part […]

Girl Guides Covopoly adventures comes to city centre venues

Last weekend Coventry city centre played host to “Covopoly,” an event organised by Girlguiding Warwickshire based on popular board game Monopoly. The event saw around 80 groups, each with six members, exploring the city by completing challenges and following clues at different locations. The participants, ranging from young Rainbows to adult volunteers, used QR codes […]

Engage! Programme Secures Additional Funding to Continue Supporting Mental Health in Coventry Schools

CV Life’s Engage!  programme has received £35,000 in funding to continue its work in promoting positive mental wellbeing among Coventry’s young people. The funding will enable the programme to continue delivering its Values and Flourish sessions, alongside the School 2 Club Programme as well as a series of festivals and competitions. The initiative, which uses […]

Hundreds of visitors attend Heritage Open Days across two CV Life venues

This year’s Heritage Open Days saw two CV Life venues welcoming 268 visitors across two event-filled weekends.  The events showcased Coventry’s cultural heritage through a series of tours and hands-on experiences at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum and the Lunt Roman Form. Heritage Open Days is an annual event in England, dedicated to celebrating […]

CV Life aims to make venues more accessible and inclusive with free British Sign Language lessons for staff

In recent months CV Life has given staff the opportunity to learn the basics of British Sign Language (BSL). In partnership with Coventry City Council’s Adult Education Department, CV Life has hosted two free Sign Language Workshops which were made available to all our staff as part of our employee benefit opportunities The initial session […]

CV Life’s Summer Holiday, Activity and Food programme a lifeline for thousands of Coventry kids

Thousands of Coventry youngsters enjoyed an action-packed, educational and adventurous summer holiday thanks to CV Life’s HAF (Holiday, Activity and Food) programme. Children across the city attended sessions at leisure venues Xcel, The Wave, Centre AT7, Alan Higgs Centre and Moat House, as well as culture venues Coventry Transport Museum (CTM), Herbert Art Gallery and, […]

Alan Higgs hosting Coventry’s first walking football sessions dedicated solely to women

A Coventry Walking Football club has started the city’s first ever women only sessions of the fast-growing sport. Coventry and District Walking Football Club have been holding mens sessions for a number of years, but the club now proudly puts on weekly sessions aimed at women aged over 35. The sessions are held at CV […]

CV Life thrilled to welcome new Social Impact Director to organisation

CV Life is excited to welcome Eilis O’Donnell as Social Impact Director and new addition to the organisation’s Senior Leadership Team. With an extensive background in education, Eilis’s previous role saw her working at the widening participation charity IntoUniversity. She brings a wealth of experience in supporting social inclusion and driving initiatives that empower young […]

AT7 and Herbert Art Gallery collaborate on new wall display which tells sport centre’s industrial roots

A Coventry sports centre is now home to a stunning new display which tells the industrial history of the area it is located in. CV Life’s Centre AT7 has been serving the local community since 1987 – but while visitors and members are familiar with swimming, badminton and other sporting activities, a corridor-long wall display […]

Tickets selling fast as Lunt Roman Festival just days away

With less than a week to go tickets are selling fast for Coventry’s biggest celebration of all things Roman. The Lunt Roman Festival in Baginton, set to take place across two days on the 3rd and 4th  of August, promises to be a fun and memory making event jam-packed with a host of activities for […]

CV Life excited to announced £167,000 funding to continue delivering HAF programme

With the start of the school holidays, CV Life is delighted to announce the return of the HAF (Holiday, Activity and Food) programme, backed by an exciting funding grant of £167,000.  This initiative aims to provide essential support and entertainment for children across the city during the holiday period and has proven a lifeline for […]

‘I want to make a lasting difference in these communities:’ Meet Go! Projects Coordinator Idora

CV Life is pleased to share news of the appointment of Idora Musa as the new Community Projects Coordinator, spearheading the Go Willenhall and Go Canley projects. With a substantial amount of funding allocated for these initiatives, Idora is set to make a significant impact in the Coventry areas of Willenhall and Canley by encouraging […]

CV Life represented at annual National Armed Forces Day celebration in Coventry

It was a proud day for CV Life on Saturday (29 June) as the organisation took part in the National Armed Forces Day event held in Coventry. This annual celebration honours those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and it provided an excellent platform for CV Life to engage with the community, […]

Family Dines beneath Dippy to mark late son’s tenth birthday

The family of a dinosaur-mad boy who tragically died after bravely fighting a rare genetic condition recently marked what would have been his tenth birthday with a celebration dinner beneath Dippy the Diplodocus. Little Ewan Knox from Carlisle was born in 2014 with Hallermann–Streiff syndrome – so rare it affects only about 150 people worldwide […]

CV Life’s Community Development gets grant to keep delivering important Coventry Moves scheme

CV Life’s Community Development team have been granted £79,748 to continue delivering the widely respected and successful Coventry Moves programme for another 12 months. This substantial grant, awarded by the Commonwealth Active Communities organisation, will enable the program to expand its efforts to promote physical activity and improve community wellbeing in Coventry. Coventry Moves, launched […]

Sport Fest to make welcome return to Coventry this summer

Coventry’s much-loved Sports Fest event is set to return with six days of free activities this summer. The event, which is held in Broadgate, is back from Tuesday 6 August – Sunday 11 August from 10am – 4pm each day. As always, Sports Fest will feature a wide range of sports and wellbeing activities that […]

Lunt Roman Festival tickets on sale after significant renovations at historic site

A key feature at one of Coventry’s Roman sites is re-opening to the public for the first time in a decade at a major festival on the outskirts of the city, which is aiming for a record attendance this summer.  The 30ft viewing platform on top of the Lunt Roman Fort’s gatehouse is re-opening to […]

Alan Higgs Centre in ‘Very Good’ Quest rating after assessment

The Alan Higgs Centre, operated by CV Life, has proudly received a ‘Very Good’ rating in its recent Quest accreditation. Quest is a Sport England-recommended Continuous Improvement Tool for leisure facilities in the UK. It is designed to measure how effective organisations are at providing customer service. The rigorous assessment, which was conducted last month […]

Coventry man given a ‘sense of purpose’ two years after Dementia diagnosis thanks to CV Life initiative

A Coventry man who once made appearances for Coventry City Reserves has been given a ‘sense of purpose’ after being diagnosed with Dementia two years ago. Peter Marchi was always a talented athlete. He appeared for Coventry School Boys as a child, before he playing football at a high level as a young man, including […]

CV Life to mark Neurodiversity Celebration Week

As Neurodiversity Celebration Week approaches CV Life is excited for the opportunity to recognise and celebrate neurodivergent talent. In a world that too often values conformity, neurodiversity stands as a beacon of celebration for the uniqueness of human minds. Running from March 18 to March 24th, Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that challenges […]

‘I put my heart and soul into everything I do’: Meet Jordan Morbey who went from MA to site manager in 5 years

CV Life’s Jordan Morbey has been on a whirlwind journey since joining the organisation as a teenager. Jordan, now aged 23, was a modern apprentice but his dedication and ability was so evident management plucked him from the scheme, elevating him to a permanent staff position. From then, he has flourished, taking on numerous roles, […]

Up and coming local artists given chance to win commission and work with Herbert curators

p and coming local artists are being given the opportunity to work with curators at Coventry’s Herbert Art Gallery & Museum and have their work promoted by the venue. The Herbert regularly supports local artists through its Micro-Commission Programme, which sees artists receive a fee of £700 and the opportunity to create a piece with […]

Herbert Articulation winner to represent Midlands at Grand Final in London

A Warwickshire school pupil will represent the Midlands after winning a regional competition aimed at building confidence and a love of art among teenagers. Articulation is an acclaimed nationwide competition designed to promote the appreciation and discussion of visual culture, while instilling a sense of confidence in participants aged 16 – 18. The final for […]

Coventry Art Societies Exhibition launches at the Herbert

Coventry and Warwickshire artists have banded together to show what talented individuals in the region can achieve as part of a free exhibition which launched at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum this week. More than 250 paintings, sculptures, ceramics, textile work and other creations are on display at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum […]

82 year old reunited with scrap electric scooter made by her dad in 1940s

This week an 82-year-old woman was reunited with an electric vehicle made by her father way back in 1948. Charlie Ridley worked among Coventry’s iconic motor trade industry, but he used the shed at the bottom of his Cheylesmore garden to invent and build vehicles from old scrap. One item in particular was a battery-powered […]

Herbert Art Gallery needs help naming star ichthyosaur skull

Coventry’s Herbert Museum & Art Gallery needs your help! The venue’s popular ichthyosaur skull has been wowing prehistoric enthusiasts for decades, particularly after some much needed conservation work last year – the process brought to the surface a host of never before seen features. Now it seems only right the specimen is given its own […]

Sporting Memories celebrates one year since re-launch and looks ahead to even bigger 2024

CV Life is celebrating one year since the post-Covid re-launch of its popular Sporting Memories initiative. The programme, part of the Coventry Moves project, aims to tackle isolation and loneliness among the older generation by reminiscing about Coventry through the lens of sport. Compered by city athletics legend Dave Moorcroft, the sessions have been attended […]

Voting for Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s Choice Award is now open

Voting for the People’s Choice Award for Wildlife Photographer of the Year is now open. The 59th edition of the Natural History Museum’s renowned competition is on tour now at Coventry’s Herbert Art Gallery & Museum. More than 50,000 images are entered into the competition every year but the panel of judges can only select […]

102-year-old Coventry woman rides Santa’s Vintage Sleigh as part of four generations in Transport Museum visit

This weekend four generations of the same family led by a 102-year-old great-grandmother rode Coventry’s famous Vintage Santa Sleigh Ride. May Chinnock was joined by son Colin, daughter-in-law Viv, as well as their children and grandchildren, at the city’s Transport Museum on Saturday (9 December). Remarkably, May has been going on the ride since the […]

Trio of exhibitions announced as Herbert gears up for an exciting 2024

Curators at a Coventry gallery are building on one of their busiest ever years with three new exhibitions arriving in the first half of 2024. The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum has revealed a trio of exhibitions running from February to June, working alongside renowned international artists and celebrating the most talented creatives in the […]

Partnership between gallery and hospital will see art reach new audiences

A community partnership initiative means art is reaching new audiences in Coventry Herbert Art Gallery & Museum is working with University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) to put colourful exhibitions based on the museum’s collections in hospital corridors. It is hoped the initiative will bring interesting and enjoyable new displays to hospital users and visitors, […]

From Belgrade to the Herbert – duty manager Slavica celebrates 25 years with the organisation

25 years is a long time to stay with one organisation. In a modern age where people change careers much more often, staying in the same job for decades is becoming rarer and rarer. But for Slavica Stojsavljevic, duty manager at the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum, a quarter of a century working for Culture […]

Doze Under Dippy in pictures

Families from around the country gathered in Coventry this weekend for a prehistoric slumber party. Doze Under Dippy at the city’s Herbert Art Gallery & Museum saw dino-loving families pack into the venue on Saturday (18 November). Designed for inquisitive and adventurous children aged 6-11, the event included late night torch-lit tours of the museum, […]

50 Things… initiative launches at Herbert Art Gallery & Museum

A new initiative which aims to help families with young children have fun and learn at the same time at CV Life’s Herbert Art Gallery & Museum this week. ‘50 Things To Do Before You’re Five’ is packed with fun, low-cost, or no-cost activities to enjoy with children.  It’s a great way to support their […]

Coventry Transport Museum teams up with popular local author to create magical Vintage Sleigh Ride gift

Coventry author, Aaron Ashmore, is teaming up with the famous Coventry Sleigh Ride to bring a special gift to children this festive season. His new festive book, “Help! Santa’s Sleigh Has Broken,” will be given to young visitors of the Coventry Sleigh Ride at Coventry Transport Museum this Christmas. Aaron Ashmore, a proud Coventry resident, […]

Apprentices past and present celebrate as MA Mia wins inaugural Pippa Jones Award

A presentation lunch celebrating this year’s graduating Modern Apprentices (MAs) took place at the Alan Higgs Centre this week. But as well as acknowledging the new, it was also an occasion to celebrate the original, with apprentices past and present in attendance – including the organisation’s original inductees going back to 1987. Founder, Trustee and […]

Moat House becomes Quest accredited with ‘Good’ rating after review

CV Life’s Moat House Community and Leisure Centre has been awarded a ‘Good’ rating in a recent Quest accreditation. Quest is a Sport England-recommended Continuous Improvement Tool for leisure facilities in the UK. It is designed to measure how effective organisations are at providing customer service. After weeks of internal preparation to ensure all was […]

Art work loans shows “significance” of Herbert collection

Three paintings from the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum have been loaned out to two major exhibitions at renowned UK galleries. ‘If Mary Came to Greenham’ by Jacqueline Moreau has been collected for the Tate’s forthcoming exhibition ‘Women in Revolt’. Elsewhere two paintings by Gavin Jantjes, a major South African-born artist, from his ‘Korabra’ series have […]

Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition unveiled at the Herbert

A world-renowned photography exhibition showcasing stunning wildlife from across the globe has opened in Coventry. Incredible images from the Natural History Museum’s 59th Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition are now on show at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum. The Coventry venue is the only one in England besides the Natural History Museum to have […]

Monthly Tea Dances at the Herbert will be ‘lifeline’ in tackling isolation among older generation

Get on your dancing shoes – the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum is hosting monthly Tea Dances. These retro afternoon social events will be a chance for participants to step back to a simpler time with nostalgic music and screened images from the 1940s. Amid dancing, attendees can enjoy refreshments in the form of tea […]

‘Lost’ Thrust 2 painting re-signed by Richard Noble four decades after breaking Land Speed Record

A lost painting by a world-renowned artist has been located forty years after it was purchased by a private buyer. The work of art by Dutch-born Arthur Benjamins is of Thrust 2, once the fastest car in the world. Pilot and spearhead of the Thrust project Richard Noble was this week reunited with the painting, […]

Dippy-inspired computer games created at the Herbert by students from local school

The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum has been working with a local specialist school to help children with autism create online computer games starring the Nation’s Favourite Dinosaur. Students from the Island Project School based in Meriden have been working with the Herbert’s Creative Media department and a local immersive technology company called BOM to […]

Exhibition celebrating Coventry’s historic Jewish population opens at the Herbert

A new display celebrating Coventry’s Jewish population through the centuries is now open at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum. The Coventry’s Jewish Community display is the latest of a series in the museum’s History Gallery Your Coventry section. This display features an array of fascinating objects which help tell the story of how Coventry’s […]

Dipp-E VR experience makes welcome return to the Herbert

A unique Jurassic virtual reality experience is available now at Coventry’s Herbert Art Gallery & Museum. The Dipp-E VR experience, which takes users on an interactive and fun learning journey, is sure to be a smash with dino-lovers. The experience proved a sell out hit during the summer holidays, but is now back for a […]

Fans queue to meet former fastest man on Earth as Transport Museum celebrates 40 years of Thrust 2

Dozens of velocity fans turned out at Coventry Transport Museum this week to meet the individual who forty years ago became the fastest man on earth. Along with a team of engineers, Richard Noble was the driving force behind the Thrust project. He himself piloted Thrust 2 as it sped through the Nevada desert on […]

Engage! Flourish programme launches in Coventry

A programme is being rolled out by CV Life to help Coventry youngsters gain a better understanding of their positive mental health. The Engage! Flourish Programme will see the organisation work with schools delivering sessions to try and stem the rise of issues caused by mental health problems later in life. The is based on […]

Transport Museum’s Vintage Sleigh Ride tickets available now

Tickets for Coventry Transport Museum’s iconic Santa’s Vintage Sleigh Ride are on sale now. The much-loved attraction has been thrilling the city’s children for almost seven decades. Such is its popularity, the ride sells out every year, so booking early is highly recommended to avoid disappointment. The mechanical ride sees children ‘flying to Lapland’ to visit […]

Doze Under Dippy with sleepover event at the Herbert this autumn

Coventry’s Herbert Art Gallery & Museum will host a special overnight event for dino-loving families. Over 100,000 people have already been to see Dippy, the Nation’s Favourite Dinosaur, since it arrived on loan from the Natural History Museum in February. But now a lucky few will get the opportunity to Doze Under Dippy in a […]

Wildlife Photographer of the Year coming to Herbert Art Gallery & Museum

Incredible images from this year’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition will be on show at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum from Friday, October 27. The exhibition, on loan from the Natural History Museum in London until April 1 2024, features fascinating animal behaviour and the amazing diversity of the natural world, shining a […]

Supported interns secure paid work after impressing at CV Life leisure venues

Two supported interns who spent last year on a work placement at CV Life venues have secured themselves paid work with the organisation. Joe and Naveen came to CV Life with next to no work experience last year as part of an ongoing partnership between the organisation and local educational establishment Harewood College. The supported […]

Transport Museum to celebrate 40 year anniversary of record-breaking Thrust 2

Coventry Transport Museum is set to celebrate 40 years since one of its exhibits, Thrust 2, broke the land speed record. On October 4 velocity fans will have the opportunity to visit the museum and meet the team and the brains behind the land speed record breaker. The date marks 40 years since pilot Richard […]

Over 5,500 children take up places at this summer’s HAF programme across CV Life venues

With the summer holidays done and dusted and children back at school, CV Life is pleased and proud to announce 5,500 children took part in the HAF (Holiday, Activity and Food) programme across our leisure and culture venues. Holidays can be a tricky time for parents to keep their school aged children entertained. But due […]

Acclaimed public speaking initiative for young people returns to the Herbert this month

An acclaimed public speaking initiative for young people will return to the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum this month. Articulation is a nationwide competition designed to promote the appreciation and discussion of visual culture, while instilling a sense of confidence in participants. Run by the National Gallery, Articulation engages young people, regardless of background or […]

Herbert Art Gallery to be guest venue hosting Coventry Biennial

A four-month celebration of art will head to Coventry and Warwickshire venues in October, bringing together works from global artists as well as local makers. The works of 15 renowned artists and groups will be exhibited across the region as the Coventry Biennial returns – with stunning artworks, sculptures and a host of free events […]

‘A truly engaging and wonderful experience’: My six-week internship at CV Life’s culture venues

Until my public engagement internship with Culture Coventry Trust, I had never really experienced or interacted with the ‘community’ that exists in Coventry.  Working across the Herbert Art Gallery, Coventry Transport Museum, and the Lunt Roman Fort, I noticed how these culture and heritage sites kept the warm sense of community alive. During my work, […]

CV Life’s popular Sporting Memories event goes on tour

CV Life’s popular Sporting Memories event has started going on tour. The Coventry Moves project is aimed at engaging older people and dementia sufferers and getting them looking back at their lives through the lens of sport. The monthly event, compered by Coventry athletics legend Dave Moorcroft,  has had some genuine Coventry icons as guests […]

New gardening club aims to get more people active across Coventry residential homes

A new gardening club will aim to get people at residential homes across Coventry active this autumn. CV Life is working with homes around the city to get older people active and sociable with the green-fingered initiative which is part of the Coventry Moves project. Coventry Moves, which is commissioned by Coventry City Council, targets […]

Dippy reaches 100,000th visitor milestone days before 6 month anniversary of arrival

It’s been a roar-some six months at Herbert Art Gallery & Museum thanks to a certain prehistoric guest. Dippy, the Nation’s Favourite Dinosaur, has been wowing visitors in Coventry since 20 February and with the half a year milestone passed this weekend, another significant one has also been reached. 100,000 visitors have now been to […]

Roman family festival coming to the Lunt Fort this month

A Coventry attraction dating back almost 2000 years is preparing to host a legion of visitors in a two-day festival inspired by real Roman history. The Lunt Roman Festival on August 26 and 27 will give visitors of all ages the chance to explore the fascinating history of the Lunt Roman Fort while getting stuck […]

Summer of City Full of Noises events at the Herbert across August

Coventry’s Delia Derbyshire-inspired electronic music festival will host a series of events at Herbert Art Gallery & Museum over the holidays. The City is Full of Noises (CFON) is an annual event held each spring, but special programming in conjunction with Midlands Modular (MiMo) will see the festival stretch out into summer. Each Sunday in […]

Herbert becomes first gallery in the country to be home to arts vending machine

A Coventry venue is now the first art gallery in the country to be home to a vending machine which supplies artwork and materials. As part of the Work on Walls exhibition, Herbert Art Gallery & Museum has installed a repurposed vending machine full of work by local artists, as well as art kits, equipment […]

Talented London artist with unique connection to Coventry to take up residency at the Herbert

A London-based artist with a strong Coventry connection will take up a residency at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum this summer. Cora Sehgal Cuthbert will explore her connection to the city through the past and present to create an exciting and unique piece of work which will become a permanent part of the museum’s […]

Check out ‘Coventry in Dippy’ at Herbert’s Work on Walls exhibition now

A new, eye-catching work of art, inspired by Dippy the Dinosaur’s stay in Coventry, is set to go on display in the city – but it won’t last very long! Dippy the Dinosaur has captured the imagination of thousands of Coventry residents in the first six months of its three-year stay on loan from the […]

CV Life’s Engage Tag Rugby final at Butts Park Arena a ‘fantastic celebration of sport in Coventry’

A month long tag rugby tournament featuring over 30 Coventry schools and hundreds of children has culminated in a grand finale in professional settings this week. After three preliminary rounds, ten schools made the trip to the home of Coventry Rugby Club, the Butts Park Arena, on Tuesday (July 18) for the Engage Tag Rugby […]

Collective’s role in Work on Walls ‘strengthens that notion of art being a universal language’

A group of Coventry artists are preparing work to be displayed at a major exhibition in the city this summer. The Art Riot collective is a FarGo based artistic hub which supports and elevates talented neurodivergent and disabled artists. These artists have collaborated with some of the region’s most celebrated urban artists for Work on Walls […]

Consultations to take place for use of lower floors in former IKEA building

Consultations are due to take place to explore how floors one and two of the City Centre Cultural Gateway (CCCG) can be repurposed. The CCCG, which is the city’s former IKEA building, already has plans in place for floors three and four which will be transformed into a collections centre of national significance, whilst floors […]

Coventry pals raise over £5k walking 100km over two days in memory of late friend

A group of friends from Coventry have walked a staggering 100km over two days to raise money for a mental health charity after one of their pals died last year. Tom would brighten up any room he entered, and his loss is felt sorely by all who loved him. Part of a close-knit friendship group […]

Sports Fest to return to Coventry city centre this month

Sports Fest planning is underway as the event returns this month for the 2023 instalment. The free, six-day event will be back in Broadgate from Tuesday 25 July – Sunday 30 July. As always, Sports Fest, which is delivered by CV Life and Coventry City Council, will feature a wide range of sports and wellbeing […]

Event programming change will give Coventry families free workshops this summer

Changes to events programming at Coventry Transport Museum will see families able to take part in fun and engaging activities for free this summer. Mini Museum Engineers, Family Museum Engineers, Chat and Play and Tinker | Make | Play family sessions will all be included in the admission fee, which is waived for those with […]

New partnership getting children AND parents active in Willenhall

A new partnership between CV Life and a Coventry school is proving popular with both parents and pupils. Almost 30 pupils from Willenhall Primary attended the school’s playing fields on 10 June to enjoy a morning of sporting activity – with breakfast thrown in too. CV Life coaches were on hand to give those attending […]

CV Life’s Tag Rugby tournament teaches kids Five Values of Engage

Dozens of schools from across the city will take part in a tournament which will see qualifying teams meet in a final at Butts Park Arena in July. Each school will enter two teams, one for boys and one for girls. It is hoped the tournament will teach participants the five key principles of the […]

‘It’s my passion and I love it’: meet CV Life’s new Engage, Sport and Community Coordinator

CV Life’s community team are welcoming a new member after coach Luke Kennedy was appointed the new Engage, Sport and Community Coordinator. The 21-year-old has just graduated with a psychology degree, and while you might think he’s at the beginning of his career, he’s already accrued five years experience working for CV Life in sports […]

Herbert Art Gallery’s new Community Garden bringing much needed greenery ‘concrete’ city centre

A community garden at Herbert Art Gallery & Museum has sprung into life thanks to a collaborative effort between CV Life staff and local community groups. The garden, adjacent to the Jordan Well side of the building, has been a work in progress for around 12 months, with raised flower beds put in place earlier […]

‘Dippy effect’ helping Herbert exhibition Divided Selves on its way to visitor record

Tens of thousands of visitors to an exhibition in Coventry have been rethinking the core values that connect and divide us all – but there has been one big thing getting them through the door. Divided Selves, a contemporary art exhibition exploring ideas of identity, community, nationhood and conflict, will enter its second phase at […]

Enjoy a slice of Le Mans to mark 100 years of the world’s most famous endurance race here in Coventry

This weekend one of the world’s most famous car races celebrates its 100 year anniversary. 24 hours of Le Mans, or as it is more often known Le Mans, is the longest running active endurance racing event. Though held near the town of the same name in north western France, you can soak up some […]

A rare look inside Coventry City’s 1987 FA Cup final parade bus

New images show what the inside of the famous Sky Blue Bus looks like today. The bus, part of Coventry Transport Museum’s collection, is on permanent exhibition at the museum and a must visit for all Sky Blue fans. Very few people have actually been on it in the last 36 years, meaning most people are […]

The Herbert’s own Jurassic specimen before-and-after pics following conservation work

A prehistoric fossil found in a Warwickshire quarry is set to go back on display in Coventry after extensive conservation work. The ichthyosaur dates back hundreds of millions of years when Coventry and Warwickshire was beneath a Jurassic sea. The specimen was discovered in 1933 in Harbury Cement Quarry and has been part of Herbert […]

Coventry Moves dance classes breathing new lease of life into residents at retired living scheme

Dancing classes being run through CV Life’s Coventry Moves project are breathing a new lease of life into residents at a retirement living scheme in the city. Marsh House in Walsrave is home to dozens of residents, many of whom are put through their paces with some gentle dance exercise every Thursday. Leading the classes […]

CV Life Holiday, Activity and Food programme keeping Coventry children happy and fed during school holidays

More than 1,400 Coventry school children were kept fed and entertained across CV Life venues last month as part of the Holiday, Activities and Food programme (HAF).  Centre AT7, Moat House, Xcel, Alan Higgs, Herbert Art Gallery, Coventry Transport Museum and The Wave all welcomed youngsters this Easter, with a huge array of fun activities, including swimming, football and athletics as well as a […]

Coventry Transport Museum’s iconic pink Jaguar to take part in MotoFest

A Coventry-built Barbie Jaguar which inspired the popular doll’s iconic toy car will take part in MotoFest this year. The pink Jaguar XJS will ride Coventry’s famous ring road as part of the motoring festival’s traditional sprint circuit parade. It will then be exhibited at Millennium Place near Coventry Transport Museum. The news comes as […]

Fans enthralled as ‘Oggy’ recounts life and career at special Sporting Memories event

It was a unique event at the Alan Higgs Centre this week as a Coventry City legend took their place as guest of honour at a special one off event: Sporting Memories presents an evening with Steve Ogrizovic. Affectionately known as Oggy, the former shot stopper was warmly received by the forty people who’d booked […]

The City is Full of Noises musician composes wonderful ‘Song for Dippy’

A musician who took part in Coventry’s recent The City is Full of Noises Festival has revealed an original piece of music called ‘Song for Dippy’ decades after first seeing the skeleton cast at the Natural History Museum as a child. John Biddulph, who also goes by the handle HandMadeSound, was inspired by the popular […]

Art world’s Past, Present and Future brought to life by Coventry school kids

Nearly 30 school Coventry school pupils have this week brought the local art world to life with resin castings inspired by a Herbert Art Gallery exhibition. Brought to Light, which showcased artworks from the Herbert’s permanent collection, ran at the gallery last year. Now, as part of the of the Museums and Schools programmes funded […]

Coventry Open winners announced as exhibition begins

An Iranian academic who was enlisted in the military at 14 and later fled to the West Midlands to escape conflict has been named as the winner of the Coventry Open public art competition. Mohsen Keiany, an artist and academic whose work responds to ongoing violence in Iran and his own experiences as a soldier, has […]

Murder Mystery brings laughter, smiles and engagement to Coventry home

Residents at a Coventry residential home had their investigative faculties tested this week with a unique evening’s entertainment. As part of the Coventry Moves project, CV Life’s community team works with homes in the city, from independent living schemes to dementia care facilities, trying with hugely varied programming to raise the spirits of some of […]

CV Life’s Ryan Quinn’s journey from Coventry City Academy to Xcel Centre Manager

When we look back through our lives, for lots of us, most of it is made up of the mundane – eat, sleep, work, chores, hobbies – everyday life we don’t always recall the detail of. But this equilibrium is punctuated by core memories, both good and bad, which stitch together the fabric of our day to […]

Community turns out for Commonwealth Games-themed event hosted by David Moorcroft

CV Life’s Xcel Leisure Centre was full of smiling faces last weekend as a huge variety of people took part in a very special celebration hosted by our very own David Moorcroft. To go along with his athletic accolades, not to mention his charity and community work, Dave also currently holds the position of High Sheriff […]

Meet the ‘invaluable’ CV Life volunteers going ‘above and beyond’

When it comes to volunteers, CV Life is extremely lucky to have some truly incredible people who give up their spare time to help us deliver the best programming we possibly can. Be it front of house at the Herbert or in the workshop at the Transport Museum, there are dozens of people of all […]

World Book Day at the Herbert sees parents ‘making memories’ with their little ones

This World Book Day families at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum celebrated the occasion with a variety of activities aimed at the under 5s audience, themed on the ever-popular children’s story ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’, by Michael Rosen. Families sat under Dippy’s winding tail and were given a bag full of sensory objects […]

Dippy, the Nation’s Favourite Dinosaur in Coventry – one week on

It’s one week today since Dippy, The Nation’s Favourite Dinosaur, stomped its way into Coventry at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum. The arrival of the Jurassic giant has seen over 12,000 people flock to the venue in less than seven days. A frantic week has seen this world class exhibition bask in the adoration […]

Meet some of CV Life’s fantastic Modern Apprentices

It’s been a big month for CV Life’s Modern Apprentices (MAs), with our Sport and Leisure Apprentices undertaking their End Point Assessments after nearly two years of lots of hard work and dedication. Having proven their worth and value to CV Life, and hopefully themselves, the MAs will see their programs wind down, each with a flurry of […]

Dippy in Coventry Tickets Now Available

Dippy the diplodocus is one step closer to its Coventry residence as tickets to see the world-famous dinosaur are made available. Ahead of welcoming visitors to the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum, the 292-bone model of a diplodocus skeleton was carefully deconstructed at the end of the Natural History Museum’s installation Dippy Returns, ready for […]

‘Huge thank you’ to staff after more 9,000 people visit Vintage Sleigh Ride

Coventry Transport Museum’s Vintage Santa Sleigh Ride has once again proved a huge success. The sold out attraction, which this year included the new and very popular Santa’s Workshop, helped show the magic of Christmas is still very much alive with visitors of all ages from around the country. Venue manager Steve Spencer is keen […]

Learning and Engagement Team Deliver Their 5th Annual Singalong with Santa

The 13th December was a day to remember for the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum. The Learning and Engagement team delivered the annual Singalong with Santa event, which now stands in it’s fifth year of delivery and builds on our extensive early years programme.  This session is an opportunity to celebrate with our youngest visitors, both […]

Dippy: The Nation’s Favourite Dinosaur is Coming to Coventry

Coventry is gearing up for a giant visitor this February as an iconic Jurassic exhibit is taking residence at a city art gallery and museum. The Natural History Museum’s iconic Diplodocus cast – Dippy – will head to the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum from Monday 20th February 2023 for an initial period of three […]

CV Life Annual General Meeting Shows the Impact Organisation Having on City Residents

The CV Life Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2022 took place at the Coventry Transport Museum on Tuesday 13 December. With hot drinks and canapes, the evening was an opportunity for board members to see the impact CV Life has had on communities and the way the organisation has touched people’s lives this year. Organised by the Senior Management Team and compered […]

Rise in Girl Footballers ‘Shows the Power of Sport’ at Recent After-School Tournament

Over a hundred girls aged between seven and nine descended on a CV Life venue this week for an after-school six-a-side football tournament. 18 teams from schools across Coventry attended the event last Tuesday (6 December) at Centre AT7 on pitches provided by partner company Goals. Girls from Years 3 and 4 braved the cold to […]

Coventry Open Returns for 2023

Local artists will have the chance to exhibit work at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum next year with the ever-popular Coventry Open set to return in spring 2023. Set up to showcase local talent and provide selling opportunities for artists, Coventry Open celebrates the quality and diversity of art being produced in Coventry and […]

Inclusive CV Life Football Festival Has ‘Massive Impact’ on Children Who Took Part

A unique World Cup-themed football festival at a CV Life venue has proven a huge hit with schools and pupils. The Inspire Trust Football Competition took place over two days at Centre AT7. Schools from the trust including Stockingford Academy, Hearsall Community Academy, Whittle Academy, Clifford Bridge Academy and Walsgrave Church of England Academy attended […]

Roma Gets New Lease of Life Through Coventry Moves Project After Losing Husband to Covid

The Covid-19 pandemic was a horrific time for people around the country. Schools were closed, hospitals filled past capacity and millions of people were on furlough. But few felt the impact more than the older population. With the virus having a greater impact on the elderly and unwell, people over a certain age were much […]

The Story Behind CV Life’s Vintage Santa Sleigh Ride

This month saw the return of a Coventry Christmas tradition – Santa’s Vintage Sleigh Ride at CV Life’s Transport Museum. For almost seventy years Santa’s Sleigh Ride in the city centre has been one of Coventry’s best-loved institutions. Generation after generation have been enchanted by the attraction, with thousands of Cov kids ‘making the trip […]

CV Life’s Sarah Morgan Talks About Her Career on and off the Football Pitch

For millions of children up and down the country, being paid to play football is a bit of a pipe dream. But it is a reality for CV Life’s own Sarah Morgan, who by day is duty manager at the Alan Higgs Centre, but by night and at the weekend is a semi-professional goalkeeper for […]

Culture Coventry’s Application for Art Council’s National Portfolio Funding Successful

Culture Coventry’s application to continue receiving funding from Art Council England’s National Portfolio has been successful. The news was announced on Friday (November 4) by the Arts Council, with Culture Coventry getting the same level of funding it previously received.  This means the organisation’s work can continue, providing a range of exciting programming until at […]

Motor Memories: Coventry Transport Museum needs your motor manufacturing stories

When it comes to nostalgia in Coventry, there is nothing that quite compares to the heady days of the city’s time as a worldwide motoring giant, and a new gallery at Coventry Transport Museum is inviting visitors to look back on that golden age of automotive manufacturing. Coventry’s heyday as a thriving industrial city in […]

National and Regional Recognition for the Learning & Development Team

The Learning and Engagement Team have recently received national and regional recognition for ongoing work with family audiences across our museums and for the innovative Coventry Banner project, which was a community-based exhibition inspired by the Turner Prize 2021. Charity Kids in Museums has run a prestigious annual award for 16 years, recognising the most family friendly […]

Walking Netball Proving Popular With Second Session on the Way

A walking netball group held at a CV Life venue is increasing in popularity.  Nearly twenty keen participants come to Moat House Leisure and Community Centre every week to take part in gentle yet competitive activities. The weekly session is proving so popular, a second will be set up soon with a host of staff already […]

CV Life Leisure Centre Hopes to Improve Community Relations With Pool and Table Football

A CV Life leisure centre hopes reaching out to youngsters from the local community will help improve relations. Moat House Leisure and Neighbourhood Centre has sadly experienced problems when dealing with a small antisocial section of some of the local children and teenagers. So centre manager James has purchased a pool table and table football […]

Mana Spa Team Making a Difference to People with Cancer Through Oncology Massage

Therapists at CV Life’s Mana Spa have undergone intensive training to be able to give oncology massage treatments to people living with and beyond cancer. ​​​​​​​Along with her team of massage therapists, spa manager Rachel Brooks has completed a post graduate diploma in Oncology Massage which means Mana Spa is one of limited spas that […]

Sporting Memories Returns to Coventry & North Warwick Sports Club

A popular CV Life initiative made an eagerly anticipated return this week. Sporting Memories offers the opportunity for Coventry residents over 50 years of age look back at their lives in the city through the lens of sport.  From amateur sport on the playing fields of Coventry to the heady days of topflight football from […]

Grown Up in Britain: Coventry Youth Clubs

In honour of our current exhibition, ‘Grown Up in Britain – 100 Years of Teenage Kicks’, Coventry Archives are shedding light on another area of youth culture.

Ali Cherri: If You Prick Us, Do We Not Bleed? Exhibition Launch

Coventry’s history of destruction and rebirth make it a fitting host for an exhibition that explores damaged artwork, according to the artist behind it.

Reflecting on the Success of the International Children’s Games

The International Children’s Games 2022 (ICG) Opening Ceremony was a huge success, with thousands of athletes, coaches, family and friends and VIPs gathering in the Assembly Festival Gardens to celebrate the start of the Games.

Where can you see Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay in Coventry

The Queen’s Baton Relay will be travelling through Coventry on Thursday 21 July – a week before the start of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

International Children’s Games Opening Ceremony location and sponsors revealed

The International Children’s Games (ICG 2022) Opening Ceremony is sponsored by Heart of England Community Foundation and Wesleyan Foundation.

50 days until international sporting event begins in Coventry

There are now just 50 days until the International Children’s Games (ICG2022) comes to Coventry, with the Games running from 11-16 August 2022.

Thriving Communities: Social Prescribing Showcase Event

Have you heard about social prescribing?

Come to find out more about arts, culture, sports, exercise, health and wellbeing activities in Coventry and Warwickshire. Drop-in throughout the day to get more information from services and organisations, and experience taster sessions such as craft-making, health monitoring and so much more!

Five learners with disabilities helped into work with innovative scheme

Five Coventry residents with learning disabilities have successfully been recruited to paid employment in CV Life, following a new partnership training programme.

Social Prescribing networking to be held at Coventry Transport Museum

CV Life is hosting a Thriving Communities Social Prescribing network session.

Wheels 4 All is back!

Here at CV Life, we are proud to be supporting ‘Wheels 4 All, Coventry.

Becoming CLIMAVORE

Becoming CLIMAVORE

The Turner Prize 2021 exhibition at Herbert Art Gallery and Museum

nominees for this year’s award opens at Herbert Art Gallery and Museum in Coventry tomorrow, 29 September 2021.

CV Life centres support BBC’s Kit Out the Nation campaign.

The team at CV Life are now working with BBC CWR to help as many young people access sports equipment as possible! 

Culture Coventry to join forces with Coventry Sports Foundation to form CV Life

Two Coventry charities are working together to improve the sport and culture offer across the city.

Re-surfaced 3G pitch coming to Moat House Leisure and Neighbourhood Centre

Moat House Leisure and Neighbourhood Centre is having their 3G outdoor football pitch upgraded.

CV Life welcomes Moat House Leisure and Neighbourhood Centre to the family

Moat House Leisure and Neighbourhood Centre is now a part of the CV Life family. It officially began operating as a CV Life centre

CV Life Coaches become FA Playmakers

11 January 2021 During the last lockdown in November a number of CV Life Community Development Officers, Sports Coaches and other CV Life staff took part in a Coach Development Programme hosted by CV Life’s Engage Co-ordinator Wayne Goss. With Wayne’s background as a Coach Educator for the English Football Association he was well placed […]