Transformative Partnership with William Syson Foundation

We are thrilled to announce a groundbreaking new funding partnership with the William Syson Foundation.

This exciting collaboration will see the Foundation contributing £45,000 annually over the next three years, amounting to a total of £135,000. This is a significant milestone, as it marks the first time the William Syson Foundation has committed to multi-year funding for a performing arts organisation.

Earlier this month members of the Syson Foundation, Jonathan Syson (Chair), Roberta Doyle (Trustee), Hazel Wotherspoon (Foundation Manager) and Brynley Davies (Grants Manager) joined Alex McGowan (Chief Executive), Elly Goodman (Community Drama Artist) and Graham Sutherland (Technical Director) from the Citizens Theatre on the site of the redevelopment to discuss the investment.

The Citizens Theatre’s Participate programme, renowned for its extensive community engagement efforts, will benefit immensely from this funding boost. The additional resources will enable the theatre to expand and enhance its initiatives, building on the success of its previous work with learning disabled adults and children.

The funding will ensure the theatre remains a vibrant cultural and civic hub, welcoming and inclusive to all members of the community.

Over the next three years, the Citizens Theatre aims to develop pivotal new programmes designed to engage individuals who might never have considered participating in the arts. The focus will be on social inclusion, ensuring the theatre is at the forefront of community engagement.

The Participate projects will concentrate on four key areas:

• Adults: Offering a rich and varied programme that includes sociable drop-in groups, regular workshops, and community shows, catering to a wide range of interests and abilities.
• Young People: Nurturing the creativity, skills, and resilience of the next generation through regular classes for learning disabled young performers and career development opportunities for care-experienced young people.
• Education: Providing creative opportunities for students and educators across primary and secondary schools, as well as further education institutions, to inspire and foster a love for the arts.
• Community Residencies: Building connections with external organisations to reach groups who might not otherwise engage with the theatre, fostering a sense of inclusion and community.

The theatre is more committed than ever to making the arts accessible and enjoyable for everyone. With the support of the William Syson Foundation, the Citizens Theatre is poised to continue its legacy of community engagement and cultural excellence.

Stay tuned for more updates on the exciting developments and opportunities coming to the Citizens Theatre as part of this transformative partnership.