Hope Mill Theatre

Hope Mill Theatre is among the theatres that received a grant

Photo: Hope Mill Theatre

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Theatres Trust awards £64k to futureproof theatres

The trust says improvements to accessibility and energy efficiency will help the supported theatres ensure their long-term survival.

Jamie Body
2 min read

The Theatres Trust has given 14 theatres a share of £64,000 to help futureproof their buildings.

The money is part of the trust's Small Grants Programme supported by The Linbury Trust.

The grants scheme is designed to help maintain the theatres' viability and will help improve accessibility, increase energy efficiency, reduce costs and upgrade machinery. 

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Theatres Trust has said these developments are crucial to ensuring the long-term survival of theatre spaces in an ever-changing and developing world.

"Theatres Trust is proud to support these 14 theatres with small but important projects, great examples of the different ways theatres are looking to futureproof their operations and remain at the heart of their communities," said Director of Theatres Trust, Jon Morgan.

Funded projects include updating the temperature control to support Torch Theatre in Milford Haven with its Warm Space initiative and loop hearing systems at Lichfield Garrick Theatre and Sheffield's Theatre Deli.

The Barn Theatre, Gateshead's Little Theatre and Long Theatre's Duchess Theatre will all benefit from LED lighting, while Lighthouse will implement accessible doors.

Belfast's MAC will use its grant to install a new foyer announcement system, with other improvements across the sites ranging from installing or improving air conditioning units, renovation of wooden floors in bar areas and dance studios and installing radiators. 

The next round of applications for the Small Grants Programme will reopen for applications in September, with a deadline of January 12, 2024.

"Theatre spaces bring such incredible value to community life, and we’re thrilled to support these theatres, right across the UK, helping them to thrive, improve accessibility, and continue to share the joy of arts and culture with the local people," said Director of The Linbury Trust, Stuart Hobley.