Regional theatre funding, 2000-2001

In May 2000, the Boyden Report on the role and function of English Regional Producing Theatres (ERPTs) acknowledged the growing financial and artistic crisis caused by twenty years of strategic confusion, increased expectations by multiple stakeholders, standstill funding and financial instability in the sector. The report proposed a review of the entire theatre sector and a strategic plan to ensure coherent planning and greater consistency in funding provision.

The Boyden Report prompted a Government commitment of £25 million to address the problems in the theatre sector. In the consultation process that followed ERPTs sought a consistent strategy for distributing the money to ensure that gains for the sector were maximised. The NCA supported ERPTs in encouraging the Arts Council England (ACE) and Regional Arts Boards (RABs) to adopt the Report's recommendations about consistency and the need for a national policy.

Further information about the funding debate can be found on the links below.

NCA summary of meeting between ACE and ERPTs, 17 January 2001

NCA press release: coherent future for English Regional Theatre in jeopardy 17 January 2001

ACE National Policy for Theatre in England, July 2000

NCA press release:coherent future for English Regional Theatre, 18 May 2000

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