CREATIVE SCOTLAND AWARDS £1.5 MILLION TOWARDS THEATRE’S PLANS FOR MAJOR BUILDING RE-DEVELOPMENT

The Citizens Theatre has secured a provisional award of £1.5 million from Creative Scotland’s Large Capital Programme for its ambitious building re-development plans, adding to a pledge previously made by Glasgow City Council in June 2013 to support the project.

The funds have been earmarked towards the total costs of the project subject to a Stage 2 application being successful.

Over the last year, the Glasgow theatre has been developing plans for the new building with architects Bennetts Associates and work is due to start in 2016 subject to funds being secured.

The Citizens Theatre’s project will be the most comprehensive re-development of the building since it opened in 1878. Plans cover a range of improvements to the public facilities including renovation of the Victorian auditorium and new bar and cafe facilities as well as new rehearsal, learning and studio spaces that are accessible to all. This project will transform the experiences of audiences, performers and staff and secure the future of one of Scotland’s most iconic buildings.

Citizens Theatre Artistic Director, Dominic Hill said:
“We’re delighted that Creative Scotland has supported our vision for re-developing this historic building, and providing audiences, artists and staff with quality spaces in which to make and enjoy theatre. This project will ensure the Citizens continues to deliver world class theatre for the benefit of local, national and international audiences and today’s award is an important step in our journey towards realising that vision.”

On announcing the award, Janet Archer, Chief Executive of Creative Scotland, said:
“These funding awards support important elements of the cultural infrastructure across Scotland and will enable exciting and important projects to progress and develop. All of these awards, and those that have come before, help to ensure that more people, in more parts of Scotland, can continue to access and enjoy excellent artistic and creative experiences.”

Chair of Citizens Theatre Board, Adrienne Scullion commented:
“We are grateful to Creative Scotland for their endorsement of our plans and making this important contribution to our fundraising target. Today’s announcement marks an important stage in raising the capital necessary to create this exciting new chapter in the Citizens’ remarkable history.”

The original Victorian building has been home to the Citizens Theatre Company since 1945.
Over the years the building has seen a number of small-scale extensions and developments as it has grown into one of Scotland’s flagship producing theatres. However, it is now in urgent need of repair and renovation.

The total cost of the project is expected to be in the region of £16.5 million. Glasgow City Council has already pledged £4 million towards the project.

-ENDS-

For more information, please contact
Keren Nicol, Senior Marketing & Press Officer, Citizens Theatre
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) / 0141 418 6233 / 07796 396194

NOTES TO EDITORS

CREATIVE SCOTLAND LARGE CAPITAL PROGRAMME
Creative Scotland’s Large Capital Programme supports cultural facilities, refurbishments and equipment and large-scale public art in order to improve the access, presentation and enjoyment of the arts and film for the population of Scotland. For further detail on the Capital Programme, please visit: http://www.creativescotland.com/funding/capital

Success at first stage does not necessarily guarantee success at the final stage: projects that are unable to meet the final development criteria will have their in-principle commitment withdrawn and that investment would be reassigned to another open round of capital and public art applications.

CITIZENS THEATRE
The Citizens Theatre is an iconic venue and theatre company based in the Gorbals area of Glasgow. It has been one of Scotland’s flagship producing theatres since 1945, recognised internationally as a leader in its field.  It is led by Artistic Director, Dominic Hill.

Within a beautiful Victorian auditorium that dates from 1878 the Citizens presents a world-class, contemporary repertoire based on British and foreign classics and new writing. The Grade B listed building opened as His Majesty’s Theatre and was also known as the Royal Princesses Theatre until the building was first leased to the Citizens Theatre Company in 1945.The theatre retains many of its Victorian architectural features; it is the only theatre in Scotland still to have its original machinery under the stage and features an original Victorian paint frame and related fly system, which is still used today to paint backcloths. The remnants of an old bowling alley and a shooting range are closed up beneath the theatre.

As its name suggests, the Citizens believes that its work can enhance and transform the lives of people of all ages, cultures and social backgrounds. Every week of the year, the Citizens Learning team run activities for children, young people, students, older people and families as well as working closely with marginalised groups, people with additional support needs and in disadvantaged communities across Scotland.

citz.co.uk

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