Later this year, thanks to the support and foresight of Scottish Enterprise, Scottish Youth Theatre (SYT) will get the keys to the first custom-built arts centre for young people and children in the UK, says Mary McCluskey. Scottish Enterprise insisted that developers of the Old Sheriff Court in Glasgow?s Merchant City, Persimmon Homes, create a cultural space. We were the cultural beneficiary.
This new centre will be a fantastic resource for SYT and the young people of Scotland. That said, there is still much to do. When the company receives the keys, our part of the building will be an empty shell. Fitting out this 25,000 square feet of space ? with a studio theatre, five rehearsal rooms, a dance studio, offices, costume store and workshops ? will cost an estimated £1.2m.
This is where the serious fundraising comes in. We have already raised £400,000 from our trust fund, and Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Arts Council will be approached for support. As always, more is needed. To this end, we launched our press and fundraising campaigns in March. Speakers included Frank McAveety, Minister for Tourism Culture and Sport, and patron Brian Cox. This event brought together the media, politicians, potential sponsors and participants and raised awareness of both the company and the fundraising campaign.
A comprehensive corporate-membership scheme has been created with several bands of support. ?Stargazers?, for support of over £1,000, includes acknowledgement as a founding supporter in the building and website, the opportunity to name a theatre seat, complimentary tickets, behind-the-scenes tours, and regular mailings. ?Shooting Stars?, for support of £5,000 or more, offers all the above together with invitations to exclusive events and the gala opening, acknowledgement on SYT publicity and opportunities for private hospitality. ?Celestial Lights?, for support of £25,000 or more, offers these benefits alongside the naming of a rehearsal room for a period of five years, exclusive use of the facility on a number of days in the year and workshops tailored to the company?s organisational development needs. A donor scheme aimed at wealthy individuals will be created, and the company will also establish a Friends? scheme for participants (past and present) and their families.
The company aims to open the new building in April 2005, when artists and young people will, at last, be able to explore and experiment in a safe environment ? a dedicated space.
Mary McCluskey is Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Scottish Youth Theatre.
t: 0141 221 5127; f: 0141 221 9123;
e: marymccluskey@scottishyouththeatre.org;
w: http://www.scottishyouththeatre.org