7 June 2020

Last night’s statement from the Government offers vital and much needed support for the UK’s world-leading arts industry. A great recognition of the role the arts play in the economic, education, entertainment and well-being of our nation.

In Liverpool, we know only too well the power the arts can have on the fortunes and lives of a city region and we look forward to playing our part in recovery in an inclusive, impactful and creative way. While we have yet to understand how this money will be distributed, we will continue to take care of our artists, young people, communities and future as best we can until we are able to open our doors again safely and responsibly.

Tonight we will still light up our theatre buildings red as part of a national campaign Light It In Red to highlight the challenges for the industry since we had to close our doors in March due to the COVID-19 crisis.

As Gemma Bodinetz, our Artistic Director explains: “Our theatres are a small part in a vast eco-system which includes a significant number of freelance theatre makers, many based in the city region are the lifeblood of not just our stages, but those of the Royal Court, the Unity, the Empire, the Epstein and others. We are working with a small group of freelance representatives, who are part of a national task force, which we hope with all our hearts can leverage some financial support from the funding package announced.”

Our CEO Mark Da Vanzo added: “This welcome announcement has come at a critical time for many theatres around the country and we’re extremely grateful for the news. We are still awaiting detailed guidance on how to access the government funding and on how we might re-open safely for future live performances. Until then we will continue our work with communities, our young people and celebrate the creativity of our city with digital projects such as Love, Liverpool. Lighting up our buildings tonight serves to say thank you to funders and our audiences and the many who have lobbied on our behalf, but also as a recognition of our wider sector and all it does”.

Find out more about what we’re doing here and more on the #LightItInRed campaign here.