The aim of the £750,000 grant programme is to provide theatre performances for Exeter audiences and to support theatre makers to ensure that the city has a vibrant and diverse theatre sector over the next three years.

£250,000 has been allocated for each of the financial years 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2014-15, and is being awarded as the result of an open application process.

The money has been awarded as follows:

Exeter Northcott will receive £375,000 over three years to develop a year round programme that ensures that theatre is thriving for audiences in Exeter. As well as theatre, the programme will include dance and opera with performances from national touring companies. The theatre plans to attract new and existing audiences to this programme.

It is anticipated that this Arts Council investment will attract further funding from other sources to support the Northcott.

Theatre Alibi will receive £13,221 over three years to provide rehearsal space for Exeter theatre companies. This relatively small investment will have a strong impact on the development of theatre-makers in Exeter by giving them access to resources necessary to create new work. The funds will cover the costs of increasing the opening hours of Theatre Alibi’s newly refurbished rehearsal space at Emmanuel Hall. With evening and weekend opening, the increased demand for theatre rehearsal space in the city can be accommodated.

Kaleider

Kaleider is a partnership between, Theatre Alibi, Exeter Northcott, Exeter Phoenix, University of Exeter, DAISI (Devon Arts in Schools Initiative) and led by Seth Honnor. They have been awarded £361,779 to deliver an artistic and cultural programme for Exeter.

This will include a commissioning fund to create new works during the 3 years. The new commissions will create theatre in unconventional places for audiences who may not regularly attend theatres.

Arts Council England’s Director for the South West, Phil Gibby said:

“This fund will provide opportunities for audiences in Exeter to experience the very best theatre. Live performances will animate the city and local people will have the opportunity to watch and take part in exciting projects.

Exeter will be established as the home of a vibrant and diverse theatre ecology and theatre makers will be proud to be working here.”

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