Discussions are underway which will eventually see Workington’s Carnegie Theatre become a not-for-profit Trust. The new initiative will see the running of the Allerdale Borough Council-owned theatre transferred to an independent board, which would be responsible for the day-to-day management, as well as all programming for future shows, gigs and events. An appeal is now being made for trustees and advisors to join this board and help drive the initiative forwards. The team particularly want to hear from people with business skills, as well as those with human resources, legal, fundraising and marketing expertise. Anyone who has experience of the arts and entertainment industries and community engagement projects is also urged to lend their support. Councillor Mark Fryer, Allerdale Borough Council’s Executive Member for Economic Growth, and a member of the newly-established board, said: “By transferring the running of the Carnegie to a Trust, it will open up a wealth of opportunities for the theatre. Currently, because it is owned by a local authority, the management team cannot apply for many funding grants and public sector income streams, which restricts their activities massively. “The Council pledged to invest in the Carnegie as part of its strategic plan and has already spent £225,000 on refurbishing the theatre itself, with an additional £250,000 currently being used to transform Monroe’s Bar. We want this new board to capitalise on this investment – bringing in bigger and better artists, and ensuring the theatre’s community activities continue to thrive. “If all goes to plan, the Trust will take over in the Spring of 2014. The Council will support the new board for the foreseeable future, until a sound long- term business plan is in place.” Lee Martin-White, who is involved with Workington and District Amateur Musical Society, sits on the new Trust board. He said: “A strong skilled board is going to be crucial and we would love to hear from anyone who can see the potential of the Carnegie – and can really see this theatre for what it could be. “We need to run it as a business, but also get that balance between making money and serving the needs of the community. We will learn from other theatres too – there are a lot of venues out there of the same size and structure, which are very successful. This is a chance to shape the future of the Carnegie.” Anyone wishing to get involved in the Carnegie Theatre Trust (Workington) Ltd board, should email [email protected] or call 01900 602122.
Posted on: Thu, 08 Aug 2013 15:55:30 +0000
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