Postcode Culture Trust Funding
We're delighted to announce that Black Country Touring has secured a second grant of £75,000 from Postcode Culture Trust, thanks to players of People's Postcode Lottery. This initial year of funding has truly transformed our organisation, and we're eager to reveal some of the exciting developments ahead that this funding will enable. Get ready for a year filled with creativity, connection, and community spirit!
This grant provides the much-needed flexibility and stability for us to effectively pursue our mission. We can now adapt quickly to the needs of our community partners, promoters, and audiences. Alongside our core funding from Arts Council England and Sandwell Council, it reduces financial uncertainty over the next 12 months, allowing us to focus on our core purpose – engaging diverse local communities with the arts, providing related skills development, and delivering unique productions - without compromising due to funding constraints.
The funding allows us to reach new audiences by significantly expanding the scale of our work in communities and deepening our engagement across the Black Country.
Even more affordable events: We're increasing our budget for community shows, ensuring the arts remain affordable for all. Look out for a 'pay what you can' puppetry festival in February half-term, providing affordable activities for families in Sandwell, as well as a greater number of shows across the year in community venues.
The Wild: A captivating touring theatre production building on the Where We Grow project of last Summer. We'll be training community interviewers to gather stories in community gardens, shaping a show aimed at those with limited access to theatre.
Community Cinema: Thanks to the grant, our programme is expanding to three new venues, as well as providing support to our existing cinema projects in Smethwick, Rowley Regis and Wednesbury.
Black Country Touring is on an exciting journey, all made possible by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. This year marks a pivotal moment for us, and we can't wait to share it with you!
