Birmingham REP has secured £332,000 worth of funding to discover, develop and support more artists at the starts of their careers through its REP Foundry programme.
Grants from the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and the Leverhulme Trust will enable the REP to offer professional development opportunities for theatre makers, writers and directors for a further three years.
REP Foundry was created in 2013 by the REP’s artistic director Roxana Silbert. She said, “now more than ever, theatre must continue to encourage ideas, talent and creativity and we’re passionate about making that happen in the heart of the UK.
“We’re thrilled with the success of REP Foundry and now we’re able to further our capacity to discover, develop and help promote more new theatre talent.”
Fifty-four West Midlands-based artists have benefited from REP Foundry. Seven plays have had their premières, two former Foundry artists have become associate artists at the REP and other Foundry artists have toured their work.
The announcement comes on the back of Arts Council England’s giving the REP its ambition for excellence award. The theatre will receive £750,000 towards Furnace, a three-year programme of community participation work, bringing members of the public together with professional artists.
Applications are now open for REP Foundry for 2016-17. Details can be found at the Birmingham REP web site. The deadline is 5PM on Monday 22 August and interviews will be held at the beginning of September.