Belgrade Theatre Announces Continued Support from Arts Council

The Belgrade Theatre has announced that it will remain an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation and that its proposal for future funding from 2018 - 2022 has been approved.

This means that the theatre will receive no change in the funding it receives from the Arts Council over the next four year funding period, enabling them to continue their work within the community and to produce high quality theatre.

Arts Council England have also announced a £170million investment in organisations outside of London including an increase in funding for Coventry and the West Midlands overall.

Hamish Glen, Chief Executive and Artistic Director of the Belgrade Theatre said, "We are delighted that our funding proposal to has been approved and would like to thank the Arts Council for their continued support. The feedback we have received from the Arts Council has been highly positive and puts the theatre in a strong position going forward."

He added, "We are equally pleased to see an increase in funding for Coventry and the West Midlands, with particular benefit to our friends at Culture Coventry and Open Theatre Company. Every £1 invested in the arts generates at least £4 for the local economy, so this is excellent news for the city and for our bid to be UK City of Culture in 2021."

Other successful applicants for Arts Council funding in Coventry include Culture Coventry and Open Theatre, who will both join the National Portfolio 2018-22. This news is expected to deliver a boost for Coventry's bid to win UK City of Culture in 2021, who are currently hoping to be one of four cities to be shortlisted.

The Belgrade is a registered charity and receives revenue funding from Coventry City Council and Arts Council England as well as project funding from these and other government sources.

The theatre is working towards increasing its earned income to become less reliant on public funding, namely through its set and costume manufacturing arm Belgrade Production Services and by running its catering operations itself.

The theatre has recently reported its earned income has increased to 72% in 2106/17 compared with 46% in 2008/09.

The Belgrade Theatre supports Coventry's bid to be the UK City of Culture 2021. The bid is being led by Coventry City of Culture Trust and, if successful, would bring social, cultural and economic benefits to the city. An initial bid was submitted earlier this year and Coventry, along with ten other cities, is waiting to find out if it has made a shortlist of four.

The Belgrade Theatre is supported by Arts Council England who champion, develop and invest in artistic and cultural experiences that enrich people's lives. Between 2015 and 2018, they plan to invest £1.1 billion of public money from government and an estimated £700 million from the National Lottery to help create these experiences for as many people as possible across the country.

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