Council backs Bristol Old Vic

Bristol City Council leaders have backed Bristol Old Vic’s bid to secure £2 million of Arts Council funding for essential refurbishment works, which would see the 241 year old theatre open once again.

In addition, the city council is seeking reassurance from the Arts Council that the annual £1.2 million annual revenue grant to the Old Vic is also awarded.

There was unanimous, all party support for Bristol Old Vic and Dick Penny, executive chair of theatre’s trustees at its council meeting on Tuesday, January 15, 2008 when Conservative Group Leader, Richard Eddy tabled a motion in support of this internationally recognised production company.

Council Leader, Helen Holland will be writing to the Arts Council urging them to honour their annual revenue grant and the pledge of £2 million towards essential refurbishment works for the historic theatre. The Arts Council will be meeting to consider funding bids on Monday, January 21 and are expected to make a formal announcement on Friday, February 1.

The Arts Council have withheld their cash lifeline until they are satisfied the theatre has a robust business plan in place.

Council Leader Helen Holland, said: “The Arts Council funding is absolutely vital to the long term sustainable future of Bristol Old Vic. We have pledged £1 million towards Bristol Old Vic and will be asking the Arts Council to keep their promise of financial support.

“The heating, lighting and plumbing all need replacing and disabled access needs to be improved and these essential refurbishment works have to happen before the theatre can reopen.

“I have every confidence that Dick Penny will work with us, with the people of Bristol and with organisations right across the city and beyond, to deliver a business plan which will show the Arts Council that we are committed to securing the future of the theatre.”

Councillor Richard Eddy, Leader of the Conservatives, added: “I am delighted with the council’s positive response and continued commitment to Bristol Old Vic. I brought forward this motion to publicly demonstrate the massive
amount of support and goodwill there is for the Old Vic and Dick Penny, not only within the council but throughout the city.”

Councillor Simon Cook, Lib Democrat commented: “The unanimous support for Bristol Old Vic is testament to the theatre's standing at the cultural heart of the city.

“Bristol Old Vic is one of the country's leading theatres and has an enviable track record of staging world class performances and launching the careers of many of our best loved actors and actresses.

“It is vital the Arts Council takes all this into account when they make their funding decisions for both revenue and capital support.”

Bristol Old Vic estimates it needs in the region of £9 million to carry out all the refurbishment works, improved disabled access and repairs. With Arts Council funding, £6 million has been pledged including £1 million from Bristol City Council, £1 million from the Linbury Trust and the rest from various trusts and personal donations.

Back to Local News Index 17 January 2008