Two North Staffordshire theatres have won a combined £445,308 of funding as part of an almost £130 million government project to improve access to arts and culture.
The Stoke-on-Trent & North Staffordshire Theatre Trust and Claybody Theatre are two of just 13 spots in the West Midlands and 130 destinations nationwide to benefit from the investment, which forms part of the Arts Everywhere Fund.
Funding for the venues will help provide welcoming, affordable spaces for communities to visit and come together.
The Trust, which runs the New Vic Theatre in Basford, will receive £295,308, while Claybody, based on the former Spode factory site in Stoke-on-Trent, has been awarded £150,000.
At Claybody, the sum from Arts Council England’s Creative Foundations Fund will support essential improvements to The Dipping House venue, including new flooring, lighting, and flexible seating.
Co-artistic director Deborah McAndrew said: “This funding will help us to make The Dipping House a more accessible and comfortable place for our audiences, artists, volunteers, and participants.
“It’s wonderful how everyone who engages with Claybody Theatre has invested in the journey of regenerating our amazing found space venue and are loving seeing it come back to life.”
Liz Johnson, Midlands Area Director at Arts Council England, said: “Our Creative Foundations Fund invests in buildings and equipment to help keep venues across the country up and running, for everyone to enjoy. It improves sustainability and revitalises cultural assets, so organisations can provide a bolder and bigger programme of activity for their communities.
“We’re pleased to offer £150,000 funding to Claybody Theatre to develop their new theatre, arts and community venue, The Dipping House. This will support their future work, including a wide range of programming and events.”
Funding for the New Vic will enable the theatre to undertake a major upgrade of essential control wiring throughout the auditorium and backstage areas. The project will pave the way for the installation of new digital sound, lighting and communications systems, key infrastructure that underpins the creation and presentation of high-quality theatre.
Newcastle-under-Lyme MP Adam Jogee said: “Our local arts and cultural spaces are at the heart of our community, bringing people together and celebrating what makes Newcastle-under-Lyme special.
“The New Vic is a pioneering example of the powerful cultural impact we have right here in Newcastle-under-Lyme. While storytelling in-the-round is an ancient tradition, the New Vic led the way as Europe’s first purpose-built theatre of its kind in the modern era.
“We must protect that legacy. This investment will help secure the New Vic’s future, ensuring we preserve this rich tradition of artistic excellence and enjoyment for future generations. After years of underinvestment, this Labour government is backing our cultural institutions and recognising the vital role they play in our communities.”
Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy said: “Across the country, people take real pride in where they come from. Our local arts, museums and libraries are a big part of that, telling our stories, reflecting who we are, and bringing communities together.
“That’s why our Arts Everywhere Fund matters. We’re backing the places people care about most, with support for 130 venues across the country.
“Arts and culture aren’t a luxury for a privileged few. They are for everyone, everywhere. They bring people together, open doors, and support our shared sense of belonging. That’s the role they can play as we build a stronger future for our country.”
