Live Theatre in Newcastle upon Tyne produces and presents exclusively new plays by emerging and existing playwrights.
Despite its relatively small size, it is becoming known as a centre for excellence and, crucially, is also recognised for seeking new and effective ways to generate earned income, an element which the Foundation’s Trustees were happy to support.
Key to Live’s economic sustainability and diversity is its creation of a suite of multi-use properties on Newcastle’s historic quayside. The Foundation made two Capital grants to help Live transform the last remaining prime quayside site into a vibrant hub for the community. The organisation has built a landmark office building – Live Works – and has rented it out commercially, securing a new income stream. They have developed a lively outdoor performance space in the heart of the city, Live Garden, and refurbished an 18th Century almshouse as Live Tales, a creative writing centre for children and young people, the first of its kind in the North East of England.
Support from the Foundation enabled Live to lever funding from a variety of other public and private sector sources. The Trustees acknowledge that even the best made plans can sometimes be challenged and so when additional costs occurred which were outside of the organisation’s control, the Trustees were happy to discuss a second grant with the organisation due to the fact that Live made the Foundation aware of changes immediately and took prompt action.
“Garfield Weston Foundation’s grasp of the need for arts charities to diversify their work to enable new streams of income that support us to sustain and grow the work we do, is exceptional. They take time to understand and get to know the organisations they fund and their approach, driven by their passion for arts and deep understanding of business, is as welcome as it is extraordinary.” Jim Bierne, CEO.