Accessibility IPSO relocates under ACE transfer scheme

A deaf-led Independent Sector Support Organisation (IPSO) that works to improve accessibility in arts and culture has moved from London to Colchester as part of efforts to shift public investment out of the capital.

Stagetext, which was previously based in Southwark, said its relocation to the Mercury Theatre in Colchester will mean it can work closely with a wide range of arts, culture and heritage organisations in the South East "so that more people can enjoy being part of its thriving arts scene".

It is the first organisation taking part in Arts Council England's Transfer Programme to announce a move.

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"By joining forces with the Mercury, both organisations will work together to put access at the heart of the creative process and everything they do," the charity said.

"Whilst continuing our work in London, Stagetext will develop a new regional model, to engage with new audiences across the region who may have previously felt excluded – not just deaf, deafened and hard of hearing people – but also those who have English as an additional language and neurodivergent people."

Stagetext is one of six IPSOs taking part in the Transfer Programme, alongside 18 National Portfolio Organisations.

All 24 are receiving funding from ACE for 2023/24 and 2024/25. In order to be eligible for further funding for 2025/26 they will need to have established a main and registered base elsewhere in England by no later than 31 October 2024.

Ambitious plans

Melanie Sharpe, Stagetext’s Chief Executive, described the Mercury Theatre as "a natural fit for our ambitious plans".

While continuing to work in London, the charity intends to develop a new regional model to engage with new audiences across the region who may have previously felt excluded.

This will include not only not deaf, deafened and hard-of-hearing people, but also those who have English as an additional language and neurodivergent people.

"The Mercury is a key cultural hub in the region and has demonstrated its passion and commitment to accessibility and will help us put access at the heart of the creative process," Sharpe said.

"Our research has shown that if more captioning was offered by live venues, a third (31%) of the general public would be more likely to increase their attendance at live shows. This includes people who would be more likely to take friends or relatives who are deaf, deafened or hard of hearing to an event more likely to go to events themselves.

"We are very excited about the possibilities of creating new partnerships and relationships within the region which will help us realise our ambitions of embedding access in all kinds of arts and culture.”

'Huge asset'

Claudia West, Senior Relationship Manager, Arts Council England, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Stagetext has decided to make Colchester their new home as part of our Transfer Programme.

"Stagetext is a fantastic organisation and a sector leader when it comes to our Inclusivity and Relevance Investment Principle. They are without doubt a huge asset to be able to add to the South East Area Portfolio.

"With their new base in Colchester’s Mercury Theatre, we can’t wait to see how these two National Portfolio Organisations can begin to work together in tackling issues surrounding access in the performing arts for the benefit of audiences up and down the country.”

The Transfer Programme was devised in response to the government’s Levelling Up agenda and following instruction from DCMS to reallocate 15% of the total investment to organisations outside the capital.