Trustees have signed the official paperwork to turn the Lichfield Garrick into a charitable theatre trust.
The move means the venue will now be able to seek new funding from external sources.
Adrian Jackson, Lichfield Garrick’s Chief Executive, explained: “Becoming a trust will allow this wonderful theatre to develop to even greater levels and offer a wonderful facility to everyone.
“We can now operate in a similar way to other prominent theatres across the country, attracting the new funding we need in order to support the performing arts in a way which opens up even more opportunities to local people.
“As a non-profit making independent organisation, we will continue in our dedication to offer a rich mix of live, entertaining and thought-provoking performances.
“We are committed to arts-inspired community cultural development, and one of our objectives is to provide improved educational experiences, extending our work with local schools, colleges and universities.”
Heading up the Lichfield Garrick Theatre Trust Board of 11 members is its chairman James Leavesley.
“The move to trust status will benefit everyone involved with the Lichfield Garrick and enable us to stretch our ambitions for the future,” he added. “While I fully understand why traditional funding streams for the arts are no longer as generous as they once were, it is important that we are able to seek alternative sources so that we may continue to deliver an enriching schedule of productions.
“I am honoured to have been elected as the trust’s inaugural chairman and with my fellow trustees, whose support and expertise is invaluable; I am looking forward to seeing the Garrick become acknowledged as a leading theatre trust.”
Lichfield District Council leader Mike Wilcox admitted the change of status was essential for the future of the venue.
“We’re delighted the Lichfield Garrick is now officially a theatre trust,” he said. “Becoming a trust puts the theatre in a much stronger position moving forward.
“It means that it is no longer solely reliant on the council for support, as its charity status will allow it to attract external funding, commercial partners and other forms of support.”
The Lichfield Garrick building is still wholly owned by Lichfield District Council, and the local authority has two seats on the new Lichfield Garrick Theatre Trust Board, with a grant also being provided each year.
The current trustees are:
- James Leavesley DL
- Richard Barnes
- Cllr Mike Wilcox
- Craig Tracey
- Paul Richards
- Peter Tomlinson DL
- Cllr Val Richards
- David Roden
- Reeta Stokes
- Malcolm Flanagan CBE
- Matthew Ellis
