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There is an “urgent need” for arts organisations to prioritise sustainability – from an environmental and financial perspective – according to Wolfson Foundation chief, Paul Ramsbottom.
The comments come as Theatres Trust has awarded funding to UK-based theatres to help with environmental sustainability projects. The funding has been provided in the latest round of the Theatre Improvement Scheme, in partnership with the Wolfson Foundation, which is an independent charity focusing on research and education.
A total of £169,497 (€203,224/$211,274) has been distributed across nine theatres in the UK.
Five of the recipients have dedicated the funding to upgrading stage lighting to energy efficient LEDs: Broadway Theatre Catford in London, Centre Stage in Kilmarnock, The Courtyard Centre for the Arts in Hereford, Sherman Theatre in Cardiff, and Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds.
The Courtyard Centre for the Arts in Hereford’s LED lighting project will see electricity usage in its main house and two studio spaces reduced by 90%. The venue is also committed to recycling and reducing waste, with its traditional lighting being offered to small local theatres and some of the tungsten lights being upcycled and converted by artisan markers to create domestic standard lamps.
Additionally, three theatres will make the switch to LEDs and introduce timers, movement and light sensors in front and back of house areas: Derby Theatre, New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich, and The Old Fire Station in Oxford.
The final project supported in the latest round of funding is a two-part scheme by SPID Theatre, which makes art advocating for housing justice from its base in Kensal House Theatre on a Ladbroke Grove housing estate in London.
Curtains will be installed in the main hall to provide a level of insulation that will keep the theatre at a comfortable temperature without the need for heating. In the outdoor waiting area, green walls will be created offering a myriad of benefits including the removal of air pollutants, improving biodiversity and reducing noise.
“This round of the Theatre Improvement Scheme demonstrates the true range of cultural excellence found in these incredible theatres across our country,” said Joshua McTaggart, director of Theatres Trust.
“From a Theatre of Sanctuary, through to a learning theatre, and a building dedicated to working with those experiencing homelessness, these grants remind us that sustainability goes hand in hand with civic pride and empowering communities. I am grateful to the Wolfson Foundation for their ongoing support that enables Theatres Trust to award these crucial funds.”
Wolfson Foundation chief executive Ramsbottom added: “There is an urgent need for organisations to think about sustainability, from both an environmental and financial perspective. We are pleased to continue our partnership with Theatres Trust, providing vital investment in theatre buildings at a time when it is arguably needed more than ever.”
Throughout their collaboration, which has been ongoing since 2017, Theatres Trust and the Wolfson Foundation have awarded more than £920,000 to 55 projects.
The next round of the Theatre Improvement Scheme is currently open for applications, with a deadline of September 5, 2025.
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