Helen Grassly will be taking part in the 2018 Theatres Trust Conference entitled “Adapt & Thrive - New Money and New Models for Theatre Buildings” being held at the Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith on 16 October. The conference will examine how changing artistic, business and operating models in the theatre sector are impacting on how we build, adapt and run our theatres so they are fit for purpose and continue to thrive. Speakers from across the sector, including Michael Ellis MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Arts, Heritage and Tourism and Cameron Mackintosh, Producer and Theatre Owner, will explore how we can ensure our theatres remain viable in challenging economic times and how we can continue to invest in renewal of our theatre infrastructure.
New auditorium for Hall For Cornwall designed by BFF
Together with Julien Boast, CEO and Creative Director of Hall For Cornwall, Helen will be participating in a session “Viability by Design - How are theatres being designed and adapted to increase revenue and reduce running costs?” They will discuss examples of how theatres are changing their buildings and their operational models in order to develop more sustainable artistic and business models. In particular, they will explore the creative process of designing the current major refurbishment and remodelling of the Truro theatre.
Construction is about to start on an ambitious and much-needed refurbishment of Hall For Cornwall, seeking to safeguard the heritage of the building and transform the venue into a dynamic and high-quality environment that will give the people of Cornwall access to the best performing arts to rival any city in the country. After six years of planning, this exciting project will see the auditorium increase in size, enabling them to attract top West End shows and promote and support creative talent, alongside developing their work with schools and young people. In addition, new cafés and bars, a Heritage Lottery funded project and new digital creative business hub, will combine to create a venue that will continue to inspire, educate and be enjoyed.
New vision of Hall For Cornwall by BFF
Upon the foundations of their existing site, the project, designed by Burrell Foley Fischer, will unveil the history and heritage of the Grade II* listed building and create a new theatre within, alongside improved café, bar & public spaces. Their new home will be a vital community asset and one which will continue to inspire, engage, educate, entertain and challenge all audiences, firmly placing them at the heart of Truro’s cultural and economic offering and securing their long-term future. Support has come from the Government, along with Arts Council England, Cornwall Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund, European Regional Development Funding (ERDF) and the Cornwall Local Enterprise Partnership.
The Theatres Trust are the national advisory public body for theatres and are a statutory consultee on theatres in the planning system. Set up by the Government thorough an Act of Parliament in 1976 they work to promote the better protection of theatres for the benefit of the nation.