This is our big project for 2023 and into 2024 – we want to renovate our North Walsham People’s Theatre space (now called the Black Swan Theatre) which will make it all look and feel better, but most importantly be more usable for the community and fit for purpose.
Importantly we have to raise our own monies to match fund the funding grant. We’ve got a whole host of fundraising activities planned, so check out our What’s On page for more info! Once the venue is ready, you can hire our theatre. Please contact us using the contact page for more info.
How is the project funded?
This project is part-funded by the UK Government through the Rural England Prosperity Fund. The Rural Fund supports the aims of the government’s Levelling Up White Paper and Future Farming Programme. It funds capital projects for small businesses and community infrastructure. This will help to improve productivity and strengthen the rural economy and rural communities.
Background
Since the establishment of North Walsham People’s Theatre in 2017, we have welcomed thousands of audience members and project participants into the venue, for theatre shows, cabaret, classes, youth theatre workshops, creative workshops and drop-in sessions to complement town events. We deliver all this as New Stages, which is a not-for-profit social enterprise organisation, a Community Interest Company.
We have delivered ongoing consultation and our summer 2022 activities (called ‘Creative Connections’) were all about engaging and consulting with the community to find out what they want. Many said they want the theatre space to be made much more accessible and attractive for use.
What is the project and what will the funding be used for?
We have been awarded some funding in order to improve the venue to ensure the space can support cultural and heritage-based activity as well as local community groups. Importantly the space must feel much more welcoming and attractive to enable much more social interaction and be easier for our volunteers to engage with us.
In summary, the grant would cover:
• Electrics: lighting, heating, stage technical facilities
• Repairs and refurbishment: fire exits, doors and security, stage, toilets, porch as a dressing room
• Additions: kitchenette area (back-kitchen), installing an accessible toilet and baby changing facilities, signage, secure back yard area
• The project will not only make the space more usable and fit for purpose for the community, but would also be more sustainable (both environmentally and economically) with installation of insulation, a more efficient heating system and LED lighting.
How else could you support out project?
• You could volunteer your time to help paint, tidy up or with the gardening of flower pots outside!
• You could volunteer your skillset to help with any of the items in the Brief or donate items, equipment or offer advice!
• Help spread the word about us, What’s On and this project.
• You could donate to us online using the button below.
If you have any questions or would like more information or to get involved in any way, contact Joseph.
New Stages is a Community Interest Company, meaning we a not-for-profit organisation with a social enterprise approach to all of our work. New Stages Projects CIC is a Community Interest Company registered in England and Wales, company number 1320300. Read more
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