Derby Theatre to get more money from Arts Council

Published: 27 June 2017
Reporter: Steve Orme

"Vital part in the local creative economy" - Derby Theatre

Derby Theatre is to retain its Arts Council England National Portfolio status and is to get an extra £1.1 million to support its work from 2018 to 2022.

The theatre will receive £3,180,000 over the next four years—£795,000 per year. Bosses say the money will “ensure that the theatre can continue to make professional home-grown productions here in Derby, attract the best of touring theatre, provide support and development opportunities for regional artists, offer even more inspiring learning and participation opportunities for audiences, and remain a thriving hub for culture in the city and the wider region”.

The extra funding is in recognition of the venue’s learning theatre status which provides learning and participation opportunities for audiences, students, theatre practitioners and the wider community.

Sarah Brigham, Derby Theatre’s artistic director and chief executive, said, “the Arts Council England landmark decision is a testament to the work we’ve delivered in the last few years, which has seen the theatre open its doors to the community, resulting in increased audience numbers, more support from other funders and critical acclaim for our productions and way of working.

“A huge thank-you must go to the University of Derby who continue to support the theatre, and to the audiences and communities who continue to show their passion for the venue, as well of course to the staff and trustees who’ve worked tirelessly to ensure that we’ve built on our artistic vision of being at the heart of the community of Derby and beyond.

“This uplift in funding will allow us to develop more work for families, work for our D/deaf community and take our mission to support the next generation of artists even further.”

Peter Knott, area director, Arts Council England, said, “Derby Theatre’s outstanding partnership with the University of Derby has enabled us to increase our investment over the next four years.

“They play a vital part in the local creative economy, producing great theatre that entertains and inspires us and it'll be great to see them create a programme which brings together artists, academics and audiences, as well as support for deaf young people and actors from low socio-economic backgrounds in Derby and beyond.”

In the Midlands, Arts Council England will be funding 132 organisations, of which 42 will be new entrants to the portfolio and 17 will receive increased investment.

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