Newcastle’s Live Theatre has been award a Capital Kickstart grant of £85,911 from Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund. The grant will enable Live to push forward with its capital project despite the financial challenge caused by the COVID-19 crisis.
The Capital Kickstart grants programme helps organisations cover costs added to capital projects such as building works, refurbishments and large-scale equipment purchases by pandemic-related delays or fundraising shortfalls.
This funding expands the scope of an existing project and will enable Live to implement adaptations and safety measures to open and operate effectively and ensure that returning customers, staff and creative associates feel reassured and confident when they can return. These measures include the installation of perspex screens, physical alterations to the auditorium space, reduced touch points, installation of digital screens and also the purchase of technical and production equipment including mobile seating and lighting in order to enable outdoor performances to be staged within Live Garden and Low Yard.
“We are incredibly appreciative of the generous support that we have received from the Culture Recovery Fund,” said Jim Beirne, Chief Executive. “This additional award will help us to make the necessary adaptations to ensure a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment for returning audiences and talented theatre makers. We will be able to continue to develop and deliver our creative programme, bringing original and innovative stories back to our theatre spaces and sharing them with audiences.”