We are pleased to announce the renewal of our Theatre Improvement Scheme in partnership with Theatres Trust, with £360,000 to be awarded over the next three years.
Grants of up to £20,000 will be available to help theatres across the UK to reduce the environmental impact of their buildings. Before the pandemic took hold in 2020, one of the biggest challenges facing the theatre sector was responding to the climate crisis, and the scheme is in place to ensure that this remains a priority.
Paul Ramsbottom, Chief Executive of the Wolfson Foundation said, “At this critical moment for the UK’s performing arts sector, we are delighted to be able to renew our partnership with the Theatres Trust for a further three years. The impact of Covid-19 has only increased the importance of taking an environmentally sustainable approach. We hope this funding will encourage theatres across the UK to think about the often small changes that can make a significant difference to their environmental impact. Never has it been more important to help theatres improve the viability of their buildings.”
Jon Morgan, Director of Theatres Trust said, “Despite the immediate issues caused by Covid-19, it is imperative that we continue to focus on the long-term environmental sustainability of the theatre sector. Environmentally friendly buildings are not just an ethical imperative but a business necessity that can impact a theatre’s viability. The volume and quality of the applications we received for this scheme shows there is a real appetite amongst theatres to make environmental improvements to their buildings, so we are delighted that the Wolfson Foundation has renewed this partnership and we’ll be able to help more theatres make vital changes.”
Through our partnership with Theatres Trust, the national public advisory body for theatres, we have awarded £400,000 to 25 theatres since 2016. The renewal of the scheme coincides with the announcement of awards to five theatres totalling c.£100,000 in the most recent round:
- Chichester Festival Theatre (£19,988)
- Georgian Theatre Royal, Richmond, North Yorkshire (£20,000)
- Lyric Theatre, Belfast (£18,250)
- The Marlowe, Canterbury (£20,000)
- Northern Stage, Newcastle (£20,000)
The projects supported include installing solar panels, upgrading house lights to more efficient LEDs and replacing the Building Management Systems that control heating, ventilation and energy use.
The next round of the Theatre Improvement Scheme is now open for applications. The deadline is 6 September 2021. Further information about the scheme, including how to apply, can be found on the Theatres Trust website.
