Scottish Arts Council pledges £3m to Scottish theatres
24/07/2001
The Scottish Arts Council has demonstrated its commitment to strengthening Scottish theatre by awarding lottery grants of nearly £3million to theatres in Aberdeen, Dundee and Nairn.
James Boyle, Chairman of the Scottish Arts Council, said: "The Scottish Arts Council has continually stressed that for Scottish theatre to strengthen and develop we need to secure a strong infrastructure to enable great work to take place. Through investment in quality buildings we are creating the environment in which artists and technicians can best display their talents, and audiences can best appreciate the work on offer."
The largest grant of £1,856,000 goes to His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen, for the construction of a major new extension by 2004. The new five level extension will incorporate a rehearsal/education space, a new foyer with café, restaurant/bar, dressing rooms, toilets, and corporate hospitality facilities.
His Majesty’s Theatre, a Grade A listed building, opened in 1906, is one of the major touring venues in the north of Scotland and the only venue between the central belt and Inverness capable of staging large scale musicals, opera and ballet. It has an average annual audience of 217, 000. Audiences will benefit directly from the physical improvements, which will enhance the overall theatre experience with improved front of house facilities and access. The project will also reach out to new audiences by creating a rehearsal space to support education and community use throughout the day.
Councillor Len Ironside from Aberdeen City Council said: "Over the past few years, the Council has developed its cultural outreach programmes, taking arts projects out to communities and developing programmes in partnership with Aberdeenshire Council and the Scottish Arts Council. This has been a great success and we see the development of His Majesty’s Theatre playing a crucial role in the further development of this work."
Awards of £660,000 and £320,000 were made to Dundee Repertory Theatre and Nairn Drama respectively. A purpose built studio is planned for the Scottish Dance Theatre at the Dundee Repertory site allowing much improved rehearsal space which will also be used for informal performances and workshops. Nairn Theatre will be extensively renovated with enhanced facilities which will increase the range and scope of arts activity available in this part of the country.
The Scottish Arts Council Lottery Capital Committee has also awarded £30,000 to Dumfries Theatre Royal Trust. The grant goes towards the costs of a feasibility study which will look at the development, extension and future role of Scotland’s oldest working theatre.
Notes to editors
- All grants have been made by the Lottery Capital Committee of the Scottish Arts Council.
- Aberdeen City Council and the Local Enterprise Company will also be providing substantial funding for His Majesty’s project.
- His Majesty’s Theatre will be closed for nine months in 2004 to allow for interior refurbishment work on the theatre.
Contact email(s)
media.office@scottisharts.org.uk
Issued by: Scottish Arts Council
|