Member Article

IoD event takes business leaders behind the scenes at Theatr Clwyd

Business leaders from North Wales were given exclusive access to one of the UK’s major producing theatres at an Institute of Directors (IoD) event.

Theatr Clwyd in Flintshire hosted members and non-members of IoD North Wales for an evening of networking, which included a tour of the historic arts hub.

Artistic director Tamara Harvey and Flintshire County Council Chief Executive, Colin Everett, who are part of the team overseeing Theatr Clwyd’s operations, took delegates backstage to find out about the inner workings of the theatre.

Tamara talked about plans to transform the arts centre, after securing funds for design and development from the Arts Council of Wales and Flintshire County Council.

More than £1 million will be available for the initial redevelopment work, which is the first major phase of the theatre’s plans to provide a 21st century hub for world class theatre, film, art, and music.

Theatr Clwyd’s productions are seen by more than 180,000 people per year, and its co-productions and touring shows travel across the UK, working alongside venues including Cardiff’s Sherman Theatre and the National Theatre in London.

Tamara said: “It was fantastic to welcome business leaders behind the scenes at Theatr Clwyd and give them a glimpse of the backstage factory of set building, costume making, props creating, and scenic painting where our shows are made.

“The support of Flintshire, the Arts Council of Wales, and business leaders in our community will be invaluable as we work together to ensure that future generations enjoy the creative benefits of this wonderful building on the hill.

“Our capital project will modernise the theatre to preserve its reputation for quality drama, bring new opportunities and benefits for our community and significantly enhance its impact for the economy in Flintshire and north east Wales.”

Donna Milne, IoD North Wales ambassador and financial director at engineering, environmental, and planning consultancy Caulmert, said: “Tamara’s tour was a brilliant insight into the theatre, as we saw how many different departments and professions pull together to put on a show.

“She also discussed the theatre’s business innovations, which have helped it thrive despite cuts to arts funding, inspiring us all to get creative in our own professions.

“The plans for the future sound very exciting and I can’t wait to watch the progress.” The IoD is the longest-standing organisation to serve and support business leaders, with more than 100 years of service in raising professional standards.

You don’t need to be a company director to join the IoD. Senior managers are welcome from large public organisations to small family firms.

Members benefit from services including free business advice, professional development programmes, research facilities and networking events and have the opportunity to influence government thinking.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sam Harris .