Citizens Theatre announce new funding partnership with William Syson Foundation
New funding partnership with The William Syson Foundation marks new era in participatory arts at the Citizens Theatre.
Article Source: Citizens Theatre
Last Updated: 11 July 2024 12:18
The Citizens Theatre is celebrating a significant new funding partnership with The William Syson Foundation. The theatre’s pioneering Participate programme will receive £45,000 per year over three years – a partnership totalling £135,000.
The William Syson Foundation has introduced a new strategic programme of Core Support Grants for selected Scottish arts and cultural organisations; this award to the Citizens Theatre is its inaugural grant under the new programme. In making this multi-year grant, the Foundation embarks on a ground-breaking partnership that will allow the Citizens Theatre to build on the success of its renowned and extensive community engagement work.
The William Syson Foundation has previously supported the Theatre’s work with learning disabled adults and children and this latest support builds on the relationship first established in 2019.
The funding comes at a key moment for the Theatre, as it prepares to return to its Gorbals home in 2025 following a major redevelopment. The Participate programme will be integral to bringing the renovated building to life, ensuring the Theatre is a cultural and civic hub for all.
Over the next three years, the Citizens Theatre will develop pivotal new programmes, engaging with people who might never have considered involvement in the arts and forging new paths as a theatre at the forefront of social inclusion.
Participate projects during this time will focus on four key areas:
> Adults – a rich and varied programme from sociable drop-in groups to regular workshops and community shows.
> Young people – nurturing the creativity, skills and resilience of the next generation. This includes regular classes for learning disabled young performers and career development opportunities for care experienced young people.
> Education – providing creative opportunities for students and educators across primary and secondary schools, and into further education.
> Community residencies – building connections with external organisations to reach groups which might not otherwise engage with the theatre.
For participants, this work has many benefits including increased confidence and skills development, improved mental health and reduced isolation. It is also a source of joy for the individuals and communities involved.
Catrin Evans, Citizens Theatre Head of Creative Learning, said: Embarking on a new chapter in our community programming at the Citizens is made that much more exciting by our renewed and expanded funding partnership with the William Syson Foundation. It is unique for a funder to commit to support our work across all 5 strands - which demonstrates a trust in our approach and a belief in the inherent value of the arts. Building partnerships with the William Syson Foundation over multiple years will enrich our work beyond measure and benefit the many groups we operate within, and out with the Citz.
Jonathan Syson, Chair of The William Syson Foundation comments: “The William Syson Foundation is delighted to be partnering with the Citizens Theatre in Glasgow to support its outstanding community and participatory engagement. The multi-year Core Support Grant to the Citizens Theatre is the Foundation’s first such award. The Grant forms an integral part of its strategic drive to provide significant core support to arts and cultural organisations in Scotland in order to help sustain their vital work and to widen arts and cultural participation and enjoyment for all.
The Foundation recognises The Citizens Theatre as a cultural institution of national significance in and for Scotland. The Citizens Theatre combines high-quality artistic development and world-renowned onstage performance with exceptional community engagement to deliver demonstrable public benefit. This, in turn, provides the Foundation with confidence in making a sizeable, multi-year Core Support Grant.
The William Syson Foundation looks forward to working with the Citizens Theatre in the years to come and wishes it ongoing success as it moves towards re-opening in 2025.”
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