ARTS COUNCIL AND COMMUNITY FUNDING MAKES THE LIGHTS SHINE BRIGHTER AT EAST RIDING THEATRE
Thu 31st May 2018
Arts Council England has awarded East Riding Theatre significant funding towards a state of the Art lighting rig.
In December 2017, ERT launched a campaign to raise funds towards the purchase of a new lighting rig to replace its current, unsustainable equipment.
Designed by one of ERT’s volunteers, a bespoke ‘lighting tree’ was created in the foyer of the theatre and has served as the perfect centrepiece, attracting attention to this ambitious community project.
Sue Kirkman, theatre manager, describes how the tree has generated the interest of the community.
‘We are overwhelmed at the success of the tree and the knock-on effect it had on attracting further funding for the lighting rig. We would to thank all those who donated to the tree by purchasing gold, silver or copper leaves on which a name of their choice is identified.
Sue continues, ‘The leaves represent all sorts of people and events; loved ones who are no longer here, recognition of special birthdays and cast members in ERT productions.’
Around the time the tree was launched, the Catholic Club in Beverley was dispersing its assets. The trustees of the charity agreed to donate £10,000 towards ERT’s campaign when they heard about our appeal.
Sue says, ‘I was so overwhelmed by the donation from the Catholic Club, I could hardly speak. Thanks to the generous donations, the current figure is just under the target of £20,000. With only 25 leaves left, we hope to raise the full target in the next couple of months’.
In February this year, ERT applied to Arts Council England for the remaining £40,000 needed to purchase the rig and equipment.
ERT is volunteer led so the application process was a real team effort which really paid off and, when ERT heard the positive news, the atmosphere in the building was electric.
Sue explains ‘For us, this is a huge achievement. We can replace the old rig with a more sustainable and accessible piece of equipment and, furthermore, we feel Arts Council England now view us as a serious organisation engaged in the Arts for the long term’.
Sue continues ‘The day we received our news from Arts Council England, ERT’s resident company She Productions also received fabulous news which they will soon be revealing. Needless to say, we were all chuffed and lots of dancing for joy took place at ERT last Friday. In fact, we’re still dancing’.
Photo by Gavin Prest Photography
