EXCLUSIVE: The chief executive of the Lichfield Garrick has insisted the theatre is “critical” to businesses in the city.
The theatre has found itself under scrutiny after Lichfield District Council revealed a programme of cuts.
With 20 jobs and several services at risk as the local authority looks to plug a £1.7million gap in its finances with the Fit for the Future review, several critics had questioned the financial support given to the Garrick.
Lichfield District Council’s opposition Labour group leader, Cllr Steve Norman, described the arts venue as “a vanity project”.
But now Adrian Jackson has defended the theatre, highlighting its use by a number of community education and performing arts projects, insisting that much of its work in contributing to the local area goes unseen.
“The Garrick is almost a 24 hour, seven day a week operation and is not just for public performances,” the chief executive and artistic director explained.
“I feel this is the hidden side of the Lichfield Garrick but it is so vital to the life and vibrancy of our city and district.
“The Garrick also brings in thousands of people from across the region for shows, conferences and events, and showcases not only what the theatre has to offer, but also the city and encourages revisits.
“Every year it is estimated that the combined visitors and performers appearing at the Garrick have an economic impact of over £7million in the city, which is critical to local shops and businesses.
“Many thousands of performers and visitors stay overnight within the city centre in our hotels and guest houses and spend in our restaurants, bars and shops whilst they are here.
“With regards to funding, we are working closely with our new board to identify other sources and are committed to helping to reduce our reliance on the council significantly.”
The Garrick became a charitable theatre trust earlier this year.
The move was heralded as an opportunity to give the venue a chance to find funding from a wider range of bodies and exploit more commercial opportunities.
At the time Cllr Mike Wilcox, leader of Lichfield District Council, said the move had put the theatre in a “much stronger position”.
Now fellow Conservative Cabinet Member Cllr Louise Flowith said the local authority were keen for the theatre to stand on its own two feet – but admitted the link between the venue and the council couldn’t be completely cut immediately.
“Arts, culture and the visitor economy is a major economic driver in Lichfield District,” Cllr Flowith said. “The Lichfield Garrick and other attractions and events bring in thousands of people every year into the city and district, supporting hundreds of jobs and businesses, and make the district attractive to new residents and businesses, which is vital.
“That said, we have always been keen to see the Lichfield Garrick’s become more financially independent, but this isn’t something that can be done overnight, without risking the theatre and a massive detrimental effect on the city.
“Earlier this year, the Lichfield Garrick became a charitable trust, and already this move will see the council’s support for the Lichfield Garrick dropping by £160,000 in 2015/16.
“The Lichfield Garrick also has an ambitious plan to raise financial support from other sources, and we fully expect the Lichfield Garrick to rely less on the council year on year as a result.
“Whilst as a council we are undergoing a thorough review of our services as part of Fit for the Future, we remain committed to supporting the Lichfield Garrick, and recognise the many benefits it brings to our district and residents.”
