The Point Secures Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation Status Through 2022

The Point is set to continue its transformative work following confirmation that it is to remain a prestigious Arts Council England (ACE) National Portfolio Organisation (NPO), receiving £125,000 per year over the next four years.

The Eastleigh-based theatre, home to world-class residential rehearsal studio, the Creation Space, is one of the leading venues for contemporary performance, combined arts and talent development in the South West, and has received the funding to develop its ongoing work with new audiences and artists.

The NPO funding will allow The Point to continue its ambitious journey supporting the creation of new work, making impactful connections with diverse audiences, and further developing its successful artist development programme; nurturing artists at all career stages and across art forms.

Artistic Director Sacha Lee says: 'We are absolutely thrilled that Arts Council England recognises the important work we do in continuing their investment as a National Portfolio Organisation. This support is hugely important to The Point, enabling us to fuel the creative sector and develop the next generation of artists.

The creativity and innovation that takes place in our Creation Space is the very think tank of the building and this funding will secure our ongoing commitment to nurturing new artists, providing a home to established ones; continuing to position Eastleigh on the national and international map as a space for developing inventive new work.

Together with our highly successful Eastleigh Unwrapped Festival, the immersive, location-based Eastleigh Film Festival and the European Aerial Dance Festival, Eastleigh continues to be a place to share extraordinary experiences; a place to be moved.'

The venue also credits the support from its local authority, Eastleigh Borough Council (EBC), in being pivotal in the decision from ACE.

EBC Leader Cllr Keith House said: 'We are delighted that the Arts Council has recognised The Point as a National Portfolio venue once again. The Point, now in its 21st year has developed enormously during this time and provides a much loved cultural asset for the town centre and wider community. As a council, it's too easy to resort to service cuts in light of national austerity, but we want something different for our residents. The benefits of arts and culture to wellbeing is widely recognised, but additionally, the venue and its staff are committed to helping artists develop careers in the performing arts, which in turn helps to benefit our local economy.'

Phil Gibby, Area Director, South West, Arts Council England said: "We are really pleased to be renewing our investment in The Point. They offer an impressive contemporary performance programme and their work to develop talent in the sector is exceptional. We look forward to continuing to work with the Point to further develop their role as a cultural hub for the people of Eastleigh and much further afield."