Following the announcement by Arts Council England today (Fri 4 November), the New Vic is pleased to share the news that the theatre will retain its status as a National Portfolio Organisation for the next 3 years, 2023-2026, as part of the Arts Council’s programme of investment.
Fiona Wallace, New Vic Managing Director said:
“At the New Vic we’ve been flying the flag for culture in Stoke-on-Trent and the surrounding area of Newcastle-under-Lyme and Staffordshire, championing the creative energy of the city and attracting audiences from across the country for 60 years. Our thanks to Arts Council for their continued, significant investment in the New Vic and our work as a National Portfolio Organisation. Our bid for additional funding to support development of circus arts as part of our work, including a more permanent programme of work in partnership with Upswing has also been successful.
“We are also excited to learn that in this round of funding, other companies in our area will take their place as National Portfolio Organisations for the first time. Companies like Frontline Dance, ReStoke and Claybody Theatre play an important role in the cultural ecology of Stoke-on-Trent alongside the New Vic, and this increase in national funding for our area is a testament to the creativity we’ve always seen locally. This investment is great recognition of the important role that we play together to shape the cultural life of our city region”.
Peter Knott, Area Director for Arts Council England said:
“The New Vic Theatre is at the heart of Stoke’s cultural scene and produces and hosts great theatre that entertains and inspires us. We’re delighted to be increasing our investment in their work over the next three years, and it will be great to see our funding supporting its innovative productions, getting more people inspired by great theatre and bringing circus to the people of Stoke.”