Cash boost for Rochdale theatre company

The M6 Theatre Company in Rochdale is celebrating after securing funding from the Arts Council.

The group found out that they will receive £11,000 between 2012 and 2015.

But hundreds of theatres, galleries and arts groups across the country were left devastated after their funding was scrapped, a direct result of £100 million cut in the Arts Council’s annual grant.

A statement from M6’s Artistic Producer, Dot Wood and General Manager, Debs Palmer, said: “M6 staff and Board are thrilled with [the] announcement of being awarded National Portfolio status for the forthcoming 3 years.

“The increased funding awarded will enable M6 to enrich and extend its diverse and innovative local, regional and national touring theatre programme for children and young people.”

The group are delighted with the following recognition from the Arts Council:

“A strong application from an outstanding organisation…with a strong reputation as one of the country’s leading theatre companies, delivering meaningful, engaging, high quality theatre which nurtures the creative skills, emotional intelligence and positive self esteem of young people”.

The Theatre statement concluded: “This success is tempered by sensitivity that it is a really tough time for the arts sector and concern for our colleagues who have been unsuccessful in this funding process.”

A total of 1,333 applications were made for Arts Council funding, but only 695 were successful, a reduction from the current 849 organisations supported.

Northern casualties include the Lowry and the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester, whose funds will both be reduced by 11 per cent.