How can you innovate your cultural offer to be more effective in attracting Audience by Choice and Audience by Surprise? How can you challenge the stereotypes that some people have about attending “high” culture events?
ASOCIAȚIA CULTURALĂ METROPOLIS Bucharest, Romania
Asociația Culturală Metropolis aims at promoting quality film and film culture in a broad sense, fulfilling a cultural policy and film culture promoting mission; bringing quality film to the Romanian audience, bringing the audience to the cinema, as well as bringing quality films to the public, nurturing a film culture demand and knowledge, and developing and accomplishing educational measures especially for youth and children, matching quality supply with quality/qualified demand. In Bucharest, Asociația Culturală Metropolis held a function as local, national and international film culture hub. Asociația Culturală Metropolis’ main activities are related to the production of 3 main events: KINOdiseea, Caravana Metropolis, Balkanik Festival
Asociația Culturală Metropolis aims at promoting quality film and film culture in a broad sense, fulfilling a cultural policy and film culture promoting mission; bringing quality film to the Romanian audience, bringing the audience to the cinema, as well as bringing quality films to the public, nurturing a film culture demand and knowledge, and developing and accomplishing educational measures especially for youth and children, matching quality supply with quality/qualified demand. In Bucharest, Asociația Culturală Metropolis held a function as local, national and international film culture hub. Asociația Culturală Metropolis’ main activities are related to the production of 3 main events: KINOdiseea, Caravana Metropolis, Balkanik Festival
Brighton Early Music Festival Brighton, UK
Brighton Early Music Festival (BREMF) is the largest early music festival (with a Brighton twist) in the South of England. The main activity of the charity is the festival, which takes place in late October and early November. The charity objectives are to encourage, advance, develop and maintain public education in appreciation of and involvement in pre-classical and classical music and the performing arts, by promoting periodically a series of public concerts, dramatic performances, exhibitions and other cultural events; to promote and assist in the advancement of public and professional education by the provision of workshops, lectures and educational events for people of all ages. Throughout the year it carries out educational activities with schools, young artists and the community.
Brighton Early Music Festival (BREMF) is the largest early music festival (with a Brighton twist) in the South of England. The main activity of the charity is the festival, which takes place in late October and early November. The charity objectives are to encourage, advance, develop and maintain public education in appreciation of and involvement in pre-classical and classical music and the performing arts, by promoting periodically a series of public concerts, dramatic performances, exhibitions and other cultural events; to promote and assist in the advancement of public and professional education by the provision of workshops, lectures and educational events for people of all ages. Throughout the year it carries out educational activities with schools, young artists and the community.
Bunker Ljubljana, Slovenia
Bunker is oriented to performing arts. It was established in 1997 as a private, non-profit institute in order to promote young performing artists through the Mladi Levi festival that was initiated in 1998. Since many other festivals have started to present emerging performing artists Bunker has expanded its commitment to performing arts through following areas: performing arts production, festivals, international cooperation through networks and collaboration projects, educational programs, discussion evenings and management of the venue located in the outskirts of Slovenia’s capital city of Ljubljana. The venue is in an old power station converted into the performing arts centre. It is used by Bunker, but is also service/space for other performing arts organizations.
Bunker is oriented to performing arts. It was established in 1997 as a private, non-profit institute in order to promote young performing artists through the Mladi Levi festival that was initiated in 1998. Since many other festivals have started to present emerging performing artists Bunker has expanded its commitment to performing arts through following areas: performing arts production, festivals, international cooperation through networks and collaboration projects, educational programs, discussion evenings and management of the venue located in the outskirts of Slovenia’s capital city of Ljubljana. The venue is in an old power station converted into the performing arts centre. It is used by Bunker, but is also service/space for other performing arts organizations.
Click Festival Elsinore, Denmark
The CLICK Festival is an important, quite specific annual activity, which takes place over a weekend every year. It is initiated by the Culture Yard in Elsinore and realized through a complex collaboration with local and international partners, reaching out to an audience of 3.600 in 2016. CLICK reaches a segment with an interest in exploring the cross field between contemporary art, science and technology, those willing to get on board on a journey towards ‘undiscovered’ opportunities. The Culture Yard is a cross disciplinary and aesthetic institution aiming at a triangular vision based on three equally balanced elements: the artistic production, the social audience experience and the historical or architectural framework. Whether it is a performance, a concert, talks or art installations, these three elements form the very spine of the programming.
The CLICK Festival is an important, quite specific annual activity, which takes place over a weekend every year. It is initiated by the Culture Yard in Elsinore and realized through a complex collaboration with local and international partners, reaching out to an audience of 3.600 in 2016. CLICK reaches a segment with an interest in exploring the cross field between contemporary art, science and technology, those willing to get on board on a journey towards ‘undiscovered’ opportunities. The Culture Yard is a cross disciplinary and aesthetic institution aiming at a triangular vision based on three equally balanced elements: the artistic production, the social audience experience and the historical or architectural framework. Whether it is a performance, a concert, talks or art installations, these three elements form the very spine of the programming.
Corners of Europe Europe-wide
A R&D project finding forms and methods for crossing cultural borders, co-creating artistic projects and connecting art and audiences. A platform for multidisciplinary and collaborative artistic projects, under the slogan ‘turning Europe inside out’, designed and driven by cultural organizations at the edges of Europe, as partners in shared responsibility. The projects and events are linked to local conditions and audiences, spreading and linking experiences and stories, creating a shared feeling of belonging, regardless of in what corner of Europe one is living. Opening new spaces for culture and art, developing forms and methods for reaching new audiences, parallel with connecting artists with different backgrounds and promoting their co-creations into projects and events that are devoted to connect to local audiences´ living conditions, needs and interests, as well as cultural empowerment.
A R&D project finding forms and methods for crossing cultural borders, co-creating artistic projects and connecting art and audiences. A platform for multidisciplinary and collaborative artistic projects, under the slogan ‘turning Europe inside out’, designed and driven by cultural organizations at the edges of Europe, as partners in shared responsibility. The projects and events are linked to local conditions and audiences, spreading and linking experiences and stories, creating a shared feeling of belonging, regardless of in what corner of Europe one is living. Opening new spaces for culture and art, developing forms and methods for reaching new audiences, parallel with connecting artists with different backgrounds and promoting their co-creations into projects and events that are devoted to connect to local audiences´ living conditions, needs and interests, as well as cultural empowerment.
John Rylands Library Manchester, UK
The John Rylands Library (JRL) is part of the University Library, which in turn is part of the University of Manchester. The library is famous for having a Gutenberg Bible and the earliest known copy of St John’s Gospel – known as the St John Fragment as well as all four folios of William Shakespeare and several important 19th century facsimiles of the First Folio. JRL is especially interesting in its audience development because of the transformation over 7 – 9 years, progressing from a prestigious but rather dusty and old-fashioned institution to a well-loved public organisation. Between 2001 and 2016 its attendances have more than doubled and it has become the number one attraction in Manchester on Trip Advisor.
The John Rylands Library (JRL) is part of the University Library, which in turn is part of the University of Manchester. The library is famous for having a Gutenberg Bible and the earliest known copy of St John’s Gospel – known as the St John Fragment as well as all four folios of William Shakespeare and several important 19th century facsimiles of the First Folio. JRL is especially interesting in its audience development because of the transformation over 7 – 9 years, progressing from a prestigious but rather dusty and old-fashioned institution to a well-loved public organisation. Between 2001 and 2016 its attendances have more than doubled and it has become the number one attraction in Manchester on Trip Advisor.
Kilowatt Festival Sansepolcro, Italy
Kilowatt is a festival dedicated to the new artists and companies of the contemporary scene (theatre, dance, music, literature, performing and visual arts, cinema) and takes place every summer in Sansepolcro (a small city in Tuscany, Italy). The festival was conceived in 2003 and it is promoted and implemented by the theatre company CapoTrave. Since its foundation, CapoTrave has been recognised by the Tuscany Region among the most interesting young companies in the regional landscape, and therefore eligible for funding. The Visionari Project was created in 2007. From 2008 Kilowatt Festival has supported theatre, dance and performing arts productions. Since 2009 the festival has opened a contemporary music section, and the year after a visual arts section. In 2010, the Tuscany Region placed CapoTrave among the top 30 theatre 48 companies supported by regional funding, in 2013 it was recognised as an Artists’ Residency by the Region and in 2015 also by Italian Ministry of Culture.
Kilowatt is a festival dedicated to the new artists and companies of the contemporary scene (theatre, dance, music, literature, performing and visual arts, cinema) and takes place every summer in Sansepolcro (a small city in Tuscany, Italy). The festival was conceived in 2003 and it is promoted and implemented by the theatre company CapoTrave. Since its foundation, CapoTrave has been recognised by the Tuscany Region among the most interesting young companies in the regional landscape, and therefore eligible for funding. The Visionari Project was created in 2007. From 2008 Kilowatt Festival has supported theatre, dance and performing arts productions. Since 2009 the festival has opened a contemporary music section, and the year after a visual arts section. In 2010, the Tuscany Region placed CapoTrave among the top 30 theatre 48 companies supported by regional funding, in 2013 it was recognised as an Artists’ Residency by the Region and in 2015 also by Italian Ministry of Culture.
Kinodvor City Cinema Ljubljana, Slovenia
As a public institution and City Cinema KKC offers quality film screenings, including openair screenings during summertime, connected events, side activities and film educational programs, primarily, but not just, for youth. KKC is fundamentally promoting quality film and film culture in a broad sense. As a venue for special events, among them film festivals, international conferences (one 2014 entitled Film Education in Cinemas), coacting with Slovene and international partners in offering its facilities, services and expertise. KKC is organizing additional activities as lectures and seminars, workshops and discussions, among which a Young Audience film and education programme for audiences younger than 14, and one for viewers older than 14 years. KKC is also holding a cinema archive available, a film bookshop and cinema café.
As a public institution and City Cinema KKC offers quality film screenings, including openair screenings during summertime, connected events, side activities and film educational programs, primarily, but not just, for youth. KKC is fundamentally promoting quality film and film culture in a broad sense. As a venue for special events, among them film festivals, international conferences (one 2014 entitled Film Education in Cinemas), coacting with Slovene and international partners in offering its facilities, services and expertise. KKC is organizing additional activities as lectures and seminars, workshops and discussions, among which a Young Audience film and education programme for audiences younger than 14, and one for viewers older than 14 years. KKC is also holding a cinema archive available, a film bookshop and cinema café.
Łaźnia Nowa Theatre & Cultural Centre Krakow, Poland
The theatre building is 4,500 m2, former workshops halls of the school for mechanics, renovated and adapted as a multi-functional cultural facility. The institution is located in the very centre of the 250,000 inhabitants district of blocks of flats for steelworks employees of Nowa Huta. The theatre was attracted to start AD activities as tools for highlighting the cultural identity of residents of the Nowa Huta district. Based on earlier experience, practice and intuition, they were ready to take on the demanding work with people whose trust was manipulated, mystified and idealised through decades of local history and finally betrayed after the democratic transformation of Poland. The Theatre’s response was an affirmation of creativity, transparency and trust, providing symbolic gestures for reconciliation. To Bartosz Szydlowski Łaźnia Nowa Theatre mirrors the tradition of ancient Greece, with myths, polis and logos marking, but not determining, the sense of ‘my’ place. His dream is to develop the best cultural institution in Poland, but the goal is not reached as long as the institution runs only on the leader’s energy.
The theatre building is 4,500 m2, former workshops halls of the school for mechanics, renovated and adapted as a multi-functional cultural facility. The institution is located in the very centre of the 250,000 inhabitants district of blocks of flats for steelworks employees of Nowa Huta. The theatre was attracted to start AD activities as tools for highlighting the cultural identity of residents of the Nowa Huta district. Based on earlier experience, practice and intuition, they were ready to take on the demanding work with people whose trust was manipulated, mystified and idealised through decades of local history and finally betrayed after the democratic transformation of Poland. The Theatre’s response was an affirmation of creativity, transparency and trust, providing symbolic gestures for reconciliation. To Bartosz Szydlowski Łaźnia Nowa Theatre mirrors the tradition of ancient Greece, with myths, polis and logos marking, but not determining, the sense of ‘my’ place. His dream is to develop the best cultural institution in Poland, but the goal is not reached as long as the institution runs only on the leader’s energy.
Maison des Metallos Paris, France
The XIX century building that now hosts Maison des Metallos (MdM) was a former music instruments factory, and then became headquarters of the Union Fraternelle des Métallos, a situation that lasted for 60 years and that left an important legacy in terms of place identity. Since the Union left in 1997, the building was run by a committee of inhabitants of the neighbourhood, who occupied it because they felt it was part of local identity. They were concerned about the forthcoming gentrification, which was starting at that time in the former working class neighbourhood. This sense of belonging of the local community had an important role in pushing the municipality of Paris to buy the venue, but also created at first some tension with the occupants as the city decided to convert it in a cultural venue run by an appointed director, that opened in 2007. So the first audience “issue” that MdM had to face, was to find the way to involve and resolve this tension. The relationship with the associations and former occupants took time to be reconstructed, but it’s today an important part of the identity of MdM and of its relation with the neighbourhood.
The XIX century building that now hosts Maison des Metallos (MdM) was a former music instruments factory, and then became headquarters of the Union Fraternelle des Métallos, a situation that lasted for 60 years and that left an important legacy in terms of place identity. Since the Union left in 1997, the building was run by a committee of inhabitants of the neighbourhood, who occupied it because they felt it was part of local identity. They were concerned about the forthcoming gentrification, which was starting at that time in the former working class neighbourhood. This sense of belonging of the local community had an important role in pushing the municipality of Paris to buy the venue, but also created at first some tension with the occupants as the city decided to convert it in a cultural venue run by an appointed director, that opened in 2007. So the first audience “issue” that MdM had to face, was to find the way to involve and resolve this tension. The relationship with the associations and former occupants took time to be reconstructed, but it’s today an important part of the identity of MdM and of its relation with the neighbourhood.
MAS – Museum am de Stroom Antwerp, Belgium
In 2011 the city of Antwerp united different city collections in its new city museum, the MAS. Both the cultural policies and urban planning policies since the 1990s explain the creation of the MAS. In 1997, three of Antwerp’s city museums did not manage to attract national funding because of their shabby conditions of conservation. Hence, the Antwerp city council had to take a decision either to renovate these museums or to close them. Instead of renovating each museum, the city decided to create a brand-new city museum for the old collections in the old port area of Antwerp, which would add to the urban renewal of this run-down quarter.
In 2011 the city of Antwerp united different city collections in its new city museum, the MAS. Both the cultural policies and urban planning policies since the 1990s explain the creation of the MAS. In 1997, three of Antwerp’s city museums did not manage to attract national funding because of their shabby conditions of conservation. Hence, the Antwerp city council had to take a decision either to renovate these museums or to close them. Instead of renovating each museum, the city decided to create a brand-new city museum for the old collections in the old port area of Antwerp, which would add to the urban renewal of this run-down quarter.
MAXXI Foundation Rome, Italy
MAXXI – Museo Nazionale delle Arti del XXI secolo is a private foundation established in 2009 and funded by the Ministry of Culture, Regione Lazio and Enel, a national energy supplier (former national electric company). The famous architect Zaha Hadid on the structure of a former military industrial plant created the building and it is located in the Flaminio area, a district inhabited by upper class, boasting a number of modern and contemporary buildings (the Auditorium by Piano, the Palace of Sport by Nervi, Ponte della Musica of Buro Happold-Kit PowellWilliams Architects, etc.). MAXXI is not only a museum, but a space were new cultural productions are developed and partnership is the main tool to achieve this result: the Foundation has more than 150 institutional and private partners and donors.
MAXXI – Museo Nazionale delle Arti del XXI secolo is a private foundation established in 2009 and funded by the Ministry of Culture, Regione Lazio and Enel, a national energy supplier (former national electric company). The famous architect Zaha Hadid on the structure of a former military industrial plant created the building and it is located in the Flaminio area, a district inhabited by upper class, boasting a number of modern and contemporary buildings (the Auditorium by Piano, the Palace of Sport by Nervi, Ponte della Musica of Buro Happold-Kit PowellWilliams Architects, etc.). MAXXI is not only a museum, but a space were new cultural productions are developed and partnership is the main tool to achieve this result: the Foundation has more than 150 institutional and private partners and donors.
New Wolsey Theatre Ipswich, UK
New Wolsey Theatre is based in Ipswich and is an independent not-for-profit organisation. They are funded by Arts Council England as one of its National Portfolio Organisations and receive local funding from Ipswich Borough Council and Suffolk County Council as well as other project funding from a variety of sources. New Wolsey Theatre is a mid-scale theatre with a mixed performance programme that combines in-house with touring productions. It has a diverse audience, a strong commitment to access and reaching parts of the community not normally engaged in the arts. This is complemented by a strong business model based on a policy of maximising earned income, especially through ticket sales, and innovative funding. Ipswich is a town with 127.000 population, a mix of ‘rural bliss’, ‘gentrified areas’ new build family housing and older working class areas. Fans of the local football club Ipswich Town are known as the ‘Tractor Boy’ indicating how the town has historically been perceived (tractors are farm vehicles).
New Wolsey Theatre is based in Ipswich and is an independent not-for-profit organisation. They are funded by Arts Council England as one of its National Portfolio Organisations and receive local funding from Ipswich Borough Council and Suffolk County Council as well as other project funding from a variety of sources. New Wolsey Theatre is a mid-scale theatre with a mixed performance programme that combines in-house with touring productions. It has a diverse audience, a strong commitment to access and reaching parts of the community not normally engaged in the arts. This is complemented by a strong business model based on a policy of maximising earned income, especially through ticket sales, and innovative funding. Ipswich is a town with 127.000 population, a mix of ‘rural bliss’, ‘gentrified areas’ new build family housing and older working class areas. Fans of the local football club Ipswich Town are known as the ‘Tractor Boy’ indicating how the town has historically been perceived (tractors are farm vehicles).
Ohi Pezoume Athens, Greece
Ever since it was founded in Athens in 2004, the Greek company Ohi Pezoume had been running site-specific as well as indoor theatre performances on a fairly regular basis (around two per year). Despite being used to the instability of an independent a theatre company, funding from the Ministry of Culture meant that they were able to carry out the 94 funded projects in a stable way, researching new narratives which would keep their path alive and dynamic. In 2011, however, the devastating economic crisis that gripped (and continues to affect) Greece meant that the company had to revise its UrbanDig Project, i.e. their process of research and production of site-specific projects, and begin putting the audience at the epicentre of its work. They went from working in theatres, apartments and other spaces to adopting
Ever since it was founded in Athens in 2004, the Greek company Ohi Pezoume had been running site-specific as well as indoor theatre performances on a fairly regular basis (around two per year). Despite being used to the instability of an independent a theatre company, funding from the Ministry of Culture meant that they were able to carry out the 94 funded projects in a stable way, researching new narratives which would keep their path alive and dynamic. In 2011, however, the devastating economic crisis that gripped (and continues to affect) Greece meant that the company had to revise its UrbanDig Project, i.e. their process of research and production of site-specific projects, and begin putting the audience at the epicentre of its work. They went from working in theatres, apartments and other spaces to adopting
Opgang2 Theatre Aarhus, Denmark
Opgang2 is an independent cultural institution based in Aarhus. The organisation focuses the three core areas: Opgang2 Theatre, Opgang2 Film and Opgang2 Youth Track (Ungdomsspor). Since the beginning in 1974 Opgang2 has grown into becoming one of the most significant professional institutions for youth programs and activities within theatre and film. The three departments work both independently and together, united under the common OPGANG2 logo. As an independent cultural institution Opgang2 produce professional theatre productions, documentaries and cultural festivals with and for a young audience – and they engage the youth in a partnership with the artists. The spine of Opgang2 is the use of art and culture as a transforming power to move and create movement. To challenge stereotypes and provoke taboos and in doing so building bridges between people across ethnic, social, cultural and psychological barriers with the overall aim to change people’s views of themselves and others. As such the organisation has a clear inclusive and democratic agenda.
Opgang2 is an independent cultural institution based in Aarhus. The organisation focuses the three core areas: Opgang2 Theatre, Opgang2 Film and Opgang2 Youth Track (Ungdomsspor). Since the beginning in 1974 Opgang2 has grown into becoming one of the most significant professional institutions for youth programs and activities within theatre and film. The three departments work both independently and together, united under the common OPGANG2 logo. As an independent cultural institution Opgang2 produce professional theatre productions, documentaries and cultural festivals with and for a young audience – and they engage the youth in a partnership with the artists. The spine of Opgang2 is the use of art and culture as a transforming power to move and create movement. To challenge stereotypes and provoke taboos and in doing so building bridges between people across ethnic, social, cultural and psychological barriers with the overall aim to change people’s views of themselves and others. As such the organisation has a clear inclusive and democratic agenda.
People Express Swadlincote, UK
People Express is a well-established arts organisation (25 years old in 2015), with complex, far reaching and deep-rooted relationships with the communities in the district where it has grown, and a track record of innovative and high quality participatory and community arts projects that have attracted national and international acclaim. Originally founded in 1990 as an Unincorporated Association registered charity with a board of voluntary committee members, PE changed into a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). It is a key member of EMPAF (East Midlands Participatory Art Forum), championing the promotion of the region’s strength in the range, quality and diversity of arts engagement..
People Express is a well-established arts organisation (25 years old in 2015), with complex, far reaching and deep-rooted relationships with the communities in the district where it has grown, and a track record of innovative and high quality participatory and community arts projects that have attracted national and international acclaim. Originally founded in 1990 as an Unincorporated Association registered charity with a board of voluntary committee members, PE changed into a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). It is a key member of EMPAF (East Midlands Participatory Art Forum), championing the promotion of the region’s strength in the range, quality and diversity of arts engagement..
Teatro dell’Argine San Lazzaro di Savena, Italy
Teatro dell’Argine (TdA) is a social cooperative that, since the very beginning, has been based on an art project including not only production of shows, but also audience education, workshops and seminars, study and research. During the years, TdA has become a benchmark for a community made of audience, students, experts, associations and institutions. Working carefully on local level goes side by side with working on international level, realising strong co-productions, creating opportunities to meet with other cultures and 120 exchanging techniques, working methods and best practices: TdA’s international dimension comes from the need of an on-going dialogue with contemporary issues and new perspectives of European and worldwide theatre.
Teatro dell’Argine (TdA) is a social cooperative that, since the very beginning, has been based on an art project including not only production of shows, but also audience education, workshops and seminars, study and research. During the years, TdA has become a benchmark for a community made of audience, students, experts, associations and institutions. Working carefully on local level goes side by side with working on international level, realising strong co-productions, creating opportunities to meet with other cultures and 120 exchanging techniques, working methods and best practices: TdA’s international dimension comes from the need of an on-going dialogue with contemporary issues and new perspectives of European and worldwide theatre.
The point Eastleigh, UK
The Point’s professional programme includes a mix of contemporary dance and performance, contemporary theatre, aerial performances, events for families, film and comedy from British and international artists.The venue first opened with a dance studio, then with an additional 312 seat flexible auditorium, a studio theatre and then the development of a state-of-the-art residential Creation Space in 2009, allowing the venue to develop into a regional powerhouse for dance.
The Point’s professional programme includes a mix of contemporary dance and performance, contemporary theatre, aerial performances, events for families, film and comedy from British and international artists.The venue first opened with a dance studio, then with an additional 312 seat flexible auditorium, a studio theatre and then the development of a state-of-the-art residential Creation Space in 2009, allowing the venue to develop into a regional powerhouse for dance.
Theater Zuidplein Rotterdam, the Netherlands
Theater Zuidplein is a venue presenting theatre, music, dance, movie, stand-up, cabaret, talents, festivals and more for a predominantly urban audience, who are not frequent visitors at a theatre or venue. The theatre also run educational programs for children aiming at very diverse groups of interests. There is a clear focus on contemporary expressions, on the ‘now’! Objects or issues that lives or influences the society in any given ‘now’. Theater Zuidplein’s mission statement sets a stage for everyone. We ‘break the stage open’ through presenting and producing theatre and training options for truly anyone and any talent. This is anchored in the theatre’s vision: Theatre is the mirror of our society.
Theater Zuidplein is a venue presenting theatre, music, dance, movie, stand-up, cabaret, talents, festivals and more for a predominantly urban audience, who are not frequent visitors at a theatre or venue. The theatre also run educational programs for children aiming at very diverse groups of interests. There is a clear focus on contemporary expressions, on the ‘now’! Objects or issues that lives or influences the society in any given ‘now’. Theater Zuidplein’s mission statement sets a stage for everyone. We ‘break the stage open’ through presenting and producing theatre and training options for truly anyone and any talent. This is anchored in the theatre’s vision: Theatre is the mirror of our society.
York Theatre Royal York, UK
York Citizens’ Theatre Trust was founded in 1936 and is the operating company of York Theatre Royal. YTR welcomes more than 200.000 visitors each year to a 270-year-old building, refurbished in 2016, in the heart of the historic city of York. The Theatre provides a healthy mix of produced work and middle scale touring productions in its 700 seat main auditorium, and small scale touring and produced work for and with young people in the 100 seat Studio Theatre. The theatre has long standing 138 artistic partnerships with many organizations and high quality local amateur companies, welcomes a range of touring companies, nurtures and supports emerging theatre companies. YTR is nationally recognized for its work with children and young people. This includes Youth Theatre, TakeOver Festival and the work with schools. Its Creative Engagement team works with all ages, but with a particular focus on 3 – 25 year olds.
York Citizens’ Theatre Trust was founded in 1936 and is the operating company of York Theatre Royal. YTR welcomes more than 200.000 visitors each year to a 270-year-old building, refurbished in 2016, in the heart of the historic city of York. The Theatre provides a healthy mix of produced work and middle scale touring productions in its 700 seat main auditorium, and small scale touring and produced work for and with young people in the 100 seat Studio Theatre. The theatre has long standing 138 artistic partnerships with many organizations and high quality local amateur companies, welcomes a range of touring companies, nurtures and supports emerging theatre companies. YTR is nationally recognized for its work with children and young people. This includes Youth Theatre, TakeOver Festival and the work with schools. Its Creative Engagement team works with all ages, but with a particular focus on 3 – 25 year olds.