Storyhouse has announced it has secured funding from Theatres Trust Theatre Improvement Scheme, in collaboration with the Wolfson Foundation, to bolster its commitment to sustainability. The funding will be utilized to expand the theatre’s solar energy infrastructure by installing additional solar panels on its roof.
In partnership with the Wolfson Foundation, Theatres Trust has allocated £115,982 to six theatres, including Storyhouse, to support their endeavours towards environmental sustainability. This contribution comes as part of the renewed funding for the Theatre Improvement Scheme, with an additional £510,000 to be awarded over the next three years.
Kate Mylchreest, Director of Development for Storyhouse said:
Storyhouse is delighted to be selected as part of the latest round of the Theatre Improvement Scheme. This funding will enable us to implement projects aimed at reducing energy consumption, enhancing operational sustainability, and reinvesting savings into our artistic and community programme.
Storyhouse in Chester is a theatre cinema library and community hub, especially crucial during the winter months when it participates in the Warm Hub initiative, welcoming residents of all ages from across the borough to come in and stay warm. Therefore, ensuring efficient heating is paramount. The installation of additional solar panels will triple the theatre’s solar energy capacity, resulting in reduced carbon emissions, enhanced self-sustained power generation, and significant cost savings.
Commenting on the significance of these initiatives, Paul Ramsbottom, Chief Executive of the Wolfson Foundation, remarked:
The projects supported by Theatres Trust exemplify how practical changes can significantly enhance an organization’s environmental and financial sustainability. Amidst the challenges faced by the UK’s performing arts sector, we are delighted to extend our partnership with Theatres Trust for another three years, continuing our support for innovative responses to the climate crisis.
Jon Morgan Theatres Trust Director says:
Theatres Trust is delighted to support Storyhouse through our Theatre Improvement Scheme in association with the Wolfson Foundation. Increasing environmental sustainability is hugely important, but all the more so in venues such as Storyhouse that function as warm hubs for their communities.
ENDS
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About Storyhouse
Storyhouse is one of the UK’s foremost cultural centres incorporating a library, theatres and a cinema. It is one of the country’s most successful arts buildings, with more than one million customer visits each year.
The pioneering new library within Storyhouse, where members of the community work alongside city librarians, boasts the longest opening hours of any UK public library and is open every day until 11pm. It runs over 2,000 sessions a year for marginalised communities
The company also runs a highly successful theatre company and the country’s most successful regional open-air theatre, in the city’s Grosvenor Park and Moonlight Flicks open air cinema.
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