Theatr Clwyd’s ambitious redevelopment scheme has received a gifts total exceeding the previous highest amount raised by any theatre in Wales – and also the biggest-ever single gift made to an arts organisation in Wales.
Among the substantial amounts from some of the world’s biggest private philanthropic organisations is one from The Moondance Foundation, whose £1.5m is the largest donation ever to a Welsh arts body. Others have come from The Wolfson Foundation (£0.5m), the Garfield Weston Foundation (£0.5m) and an anonymous local philanthropist (£0.5m).
The theatre is continuing its award-winning community work during the building work thanks to support totalling £300,000 from the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation.
Theatr Clwyd’s redevelopment is one of Wales’ most culturally significant projects, described by the Welsh government as key in bringing social, economic and cultural benefits to North Wales. It will ensure the building, which has deteriorated with systems and infrastructure having reached the end of their life, can be revitalised.
The project will deliver a better visitor experience, dedicated spaces for community and engagement programmes and enhanced income-generating facilities – all within a greener, more efficient building.
Theatr Clwyd’s executive director Liam Evans-Ford said: “When we started in 2017 we were told it was unlikely we would raise more than £2m of private investment for a theatre in Wales.
"Due to the generous support of these lead funders, we have already reached £3m. This is an empowering vote of confidence for our values, the quality of our theatre-making and our deeply important community work. It also means we take another step towards delivering a world-class home for our company members and communities and offers another reason for arts in Wales to be proud for generations to come.
"We look forward to working in partnership with these brilliant lead funders over the coming years to deliver significant impact for their investment in our journey.”
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