Salford theatre company for people with disabilities awarded long-awaited national funding

A Salford theatre company which supports people with disabilities has been awarded funding from Arts Council England after nearly 30 years.

The DIY Theatre company, based at the Angel Centre on Chapel Street, joined Arts Council England’s National Portfolio of Funded Organisations as of April 1.

Since opening almost 30 years ago, the theatre company has never received core funding, often running on “very tight budgets”. The funding will see the organisation supported until 2026.

DIY Theatre company supports learning disabled performers, exploring issues such as lockdown loneliness, the importance of leadership and love.

Arts Council England Chair, Sir Nicholas Serota, said: “As well as continuing our commitment to our many established and renowned cultural organisations, I am deeply proud of the support we will be giving to those new organisations which will help ignite creativity across the country.

“We are facing economic pressures at present but this funding is about an investment in our future. This portfolio will support the next generation of visionary inventors, makers, performers and artists. In particular, the growth of our funding for organisations that support and develop work for children represents a profoundly important long-term investment in our country’s talent.”

Jenny Sealey MBE – CEO and Artistic Director of Graeae Theatre Company said: “As patron of DIY company I am beyond thrilled that they have become an NPO and claim their centre stage.”