City entertainments venue could be in line for £500,000 funding boost
A four-year, £500,000 funding allocation to York Theatre Royal from City of York Council could be used to make the theatre more accessible to visitors with disabilities, as well as more environmentally friendly, if agreed at a meeting later this month (16 March).
The four-year funding level was agreed by York City Council’s Full Council on 27 February, continuing the council’s historic funding of the theatre.
The council’s executive member for culture, leisure and communities, Councillor Darryl Smalley, will be asked to approve plans for how the funding should be spent at a Decision Session on 16 March.
If approved, the £500,000 will be used to improve the theatre’s accessibility, environmental sustainability and financial resilience, improving the theatre’s long-term sustainability.
York Theatre Royal is an Arts Council England (ACE) National Portfolio Organisation. York City Council says local authority support is an important part of maintaining and growing York’s cultural economy.
Cllr Smalley said: “The council has a long-standing partnership with York Theatre Royal and the theatre plays a significant role in contributing to the diversity of York’s economy and the wellbeing of residents.
“The Decision Session will set out how the council and York Theatre Royal will work together in the future, from strengthening the local economy, increasing opportunities for young people and importantly ensuring value for money. I look forward to working with the team at York Theatre Royal over the coming years.”
Tom Bird, executive director, York Theatre Royal, said: “York Theatre Royal plays a vital role in the life of our city. This ongoing commitment from City of York Council will ensure our theatre can continue to contribute to the economic, social and cultural life of York and the wider region.
“We have exciting plans over the next few years to ensure we are accessible to all, sustainable and that we offer a diverse programme of productions, projects and initiatives out in local communities, as well as continuing to welcome our many audiences and visitors into our historic building.
“We look forward to working with City of York Council and our many other partners to ensure the cultural life in our city continues to thrive.”
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