One of Cornwall's most successful and longest serving touring theatre companies has been given a grant of half a million pounds to help it survive.
Miracle Theatre has received the grant of more than £500,000 from Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme.
The grant of £541,016 grant over two years will help Miracle Theatre to ensure its future for years to come across the cultural landscape of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
The grant is funded by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund through the £132m Good Growth Programme, managed by Cornwall Council.
It will empower Miracle Theatre to develop new ways of working for the future, create new opportunities for Cornish artists and amplify and extend its services, reaching across the length and breadth of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, all year round.
Bill Scott, Artistic Director of Miracle Theatre, expressed his excitement: "This grant is a transformative milestone for Miracle Theatre and the communities we serve.
"For over four decades, we have been dedicated to making high-quality theatre accessible to all. The Good Growth grant empowers us to continue this mission, fostering creativity, nurturing local talent, and bringing communities together through the performing arts."
At the heart of this initiative is the creation of Miracle Lab, a creative hub, uniting experienced artists, and creative practitioners to incubate fresh ideas collaboratively. Establishing a robust theatre production pipeline that embraces experimentation and innovation to develop and refine new touring productions, with Cornish audiences always at the heart of the work.
Additionally, Miracle Camp, a talent incubator, is aimed at discovering and nurturing emerging artists in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly through residential workshops - providing writers, directors, and actors with a supportive environment to hone their craft.
Miracle Theatre is also building a network of passionate individuals across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to serve as Community Collaborators.
These individuals will be the bridge between Miracle Theatre and the local communities, guiding the theatre company to create experiences that deeply resonate with audiences.
Furthermore, the Miracle Commissions Initiative will foster collaborations across sectors, from social care to festivals, promoting creativity and addressing critical societal needs.
The grant is enabling Miracle Theatre to host an indoor tour for the first time in ten years. Visiting theatres, village halls and community centres across Cornwall and Isles of Scilly with Hell’s Bells.
Promising an enthralling blend of detective thriller drama and Miracle Theatre's trademark colourful characters, physical antics, and distinctive humour. The tour is set to run from February to April 2024, with tickets now available.
Through this project Miracle Theatre will deliver an additional 40 performances reaching the length of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, and build closer connections with at least 15 of the communities they tour to; support six associate artists to develop their leadership skills over an extended 18-month period, host four residential artist camps in Cornwall, employ or nurture over 50 artists, engage at least 1000 people in meaningful outreach activity and create 725 volunteer opportunities.
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Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for economy, says: “Through our Good Growth Investment Plan, we want to build on Cornwall’s strong theatre and performing arts industry, reach new audiences and involve our communities in producing and enjoying the very best cultural offer that an established and admired organisation like Miracle Theatre can deliver.
"It’s exciting to see how the Shared Prosperity funding, coming from the £132m Good Growth Programme which is delivering the UK Shared Prosperity Fund here in Cornwall and Scilly, will be put to such innovative use to nurture sustainable growth, employment opportunities, and increased access to the performing arts for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly residents.”
Miracle Theatre's SPF-funded projects are poised to commence in the coming months, promising to invigorate Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly's cultural scene and provide new opportunities for artists and audiences alike.
More information about Miracle Theatre and how you can get involved can be found at www.miracletheatre.co.uk
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