Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation Awards Funds to RSC & More!

Today, Saturday 15 June 2013, The Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation announces a new round of funding, continuing the charity's work to support established and exceptional projects that provide young people with opportunities to engage in the arts.

Since 2011, the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation has given over £8m to over 100 UK organisations, focusing on projects that nurture and encourage young artists of all backgrounds and abilities, giving them the chance to experience how the arts can really make a difference to their lives.

The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) receives a grant of £81,000 towards the expansion of their successful Learning and Performance Network (LPN). The LPN partners primary and secondary schools in deprived areas of the UK with regional theatres and RSC practitioners, aiming for young people to see and
participate in the live performance of Shakespeare.

Led by RSC professionals, the LPN programme has not only encouraged the enjoyment and understanding of Shakespeare but has been able to demonstrate how high quality tuition and participation can result in a broader positive effect on the attitudes and academic abilities of the young people involved.

Other grants announced today include: The Islington Community Theatre "Work in Progress" project, providing theatre work experience to young people on the brink of disengaging entirely from
education.

The Half Moon Young People's Theatre in Tower Hamlets receives a two year rant to fund their Careers in Theatre programme, led by theatre professionals and giving hands on project management style experience to 14-17 year olds from local secondary schools.

The Urban Vocal Group receives a second grant from the Foundation to provide free access singing for young people aged 11 to 18 in Hampshire.

The Young Musicians Symphony Orchestra, which aims to bridge the gap between education and employment for musicians, aged 18-25. Involvement in this highly renowned orchestra, which runs intensive workshops and concerts throughout the UK, increases the chances of employment by up to 30%. Away from the performing arts, the Foundation will fund two scholarships in building conservation over two years at the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings. The Society, founded by William Morris in 1877, provides specialist training for young architects, surveyors and engineers in historic techniques, conservation and repair methods which enhances future employment prospects for the scholars.

Madeleine Lloyd Webber, Trustee of the Foundation, says "We are delighted to continue supporting projects and initiates which provide high quality tuition in the arts and heritage and make an impact in communities across the UK. It's great to see that by getting involved in these projects, young people who are often from disadvantaged backgrounds can acquire life skills that will equip them for a better future. The Foundation remains committed to give young artists a chance and we call on others to help us make arts make the difference."

For more information about the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation, please visit:
www.andrewlloydwebberfoundation.com.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / WM Photos

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