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Sunderland gains National Theatre support and funding to boost cultural renaissance

Sunderland has been selected as one of six UK hotspots to work with the National Theatre to support arts engagement in the area.

Arts Council England’s strategic touring fund, which is designed to diversify and increase theatre audiences, is backing the project which will see Sunderland Empire and The Fire Station enter a three year programme.

The funding will see Sunderland Empire and The Fire Station, which is due to open in autumn 2017, work in partnership alongside others in the city to further increase arts engagement across Sunderland through a range of innovative and inspiring projects.

Announcing the undisclosed funding grant, Lisa Burger, Executive Director at the National Theatre, said: “We’re delighted to be able to green-light this ambitious new project, thanks to a grant from Arts Council England’s strategic touring fund.

“Reaching new audiences and supporting theatre making across the country is one of the most important things we do.

“This three-year project will allow us to work with a range of partners for a sustained period, including smaller or new venues.”

Keith Merrin, Chief Executive of newly-created Sunderland Culture, added: “After the fantastic news that Sunderland has been shortlisted to become City of Culture in 2021, the news of National Theatre’s support for two Sunderland organisations is hugely welcome.

“It’s further evidence of Sunderland’s cultural renaissance – and it is massively encouraging that such nationally-recognised institutions recognise what is happening in Sunderland and want to be part of it.”

Hollie Coxon, Creative Learning Manager, Sunderland Empire said: “This opportunity comes at such a key time in Sunderland’s cultural story and we are excited to have the opportunity through this new type of relationship with the National Theatre to develop a good working relationship with The Fire Station next door, providing the city with further great opportunities for cultural engagement.

“Having this type of relationship with National Theatre will provide a wealth of opportunities which go further beyond the programming of their amazing large scale productions at Sunderland Empire, and the extensive and ambitious learning which coincides with their productions.

“We are excited to see what unfolds over the course of the next three years.”

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