AN ART venue has been given a cash boost to help develop a three-year programme of activities for the local community.
The Civic has secured £183,000 from the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation to create a community engagement programme to entice new audiences.
The Esmée Fairbairn Foundation aims to improve the quality of life for people and is one of the largest independent grant-makers in the UK, making grants of £40.5m in 2017 towards a wide range of work within the arts, children and young people, the environment and social change.
Helen Ball, CEO of The Civic, said: “It’s incredibly exciting times for The Civic and for Barnsley. We have ambitious but tangible plans to increase our audiences across all art forms and build new relationships with local groups. Ultimately this fund enables us to become more sustainable as an arts organisation, to build new audiences, increase ticket sales and build support from local business.”
The grant has enabled a new full-time role of community engagement officer, who will deliver a programme of outreach activities and lead a volunteer recruitment programme for the venue from 2019 to 2021.
Helen added: “We have exciting plans for 2019 as The Civic reaches its tenth anniversary next autumn. Audiences can expect a showcase of national and international quality, fun family days out, new commissions and engagement activities for all. We are looking forward to celebrating our anniversary with our local community.’’
The Civic is currently running a £5m Connect Appeal to complete renovations and become a world-class destination for the arts. The idea will be to create a series of spaces including a new theatre, café, and extended gallery.
The Civic also recently received £1,000 for the Connect Appeal from Barnsley TUC Training Ltd, a small charitable organisation that exists to support the people of Barnsley.
A spokesperson from Barnsley TUC Training Ltd said: “Barnsley TUC Training Ltd share the values and objectives of The Civic, which is why we’re proud to support its Appeal. Our charity works to improve social well-being for those in need in our community, and culture and the Arts have the power to bring people together in a transformative way.”
