The Joseph Rowntree Theatre have launched a new fundraising campaign ‘Heart for the Arts’ – to provide a temporary structure in the grounds.
The new campaign seeks to raise £30,000 from public donations, towards the overall estimated target costs of £100,000, for its new ‘Garden Room’ – providing a much-needed meeting place and waiting area to relax in before performances, as well as the inclusion of an in-house bar and additional toilets.
The theatre will kick-start its run of fundraising activities with its first ‘Autumn Festival’, which will include performance-based workshops, demonstrations, concerts and quiz nights.
Other performances to support fundraising, include ticket sales from a Christmas Showtime Concert with York legend Don Pears, an iconic Christmas raffle to win incredible prizes and further events in 2024.
‘Heart for the Arts’ follows on from the huge success of the ‘Raise the Roof’ campaign, which was launched back in 2021 to provide a new watertight, energy efficient roof for the theatre.
‘Raise the Roof’ has now concluded, and funds from donations has contributed £95,000 to the installation of a zinc roof, solar panels, insulation, new tiles, and LED lighting – and is a vital step in securing the long-term sustainability and in reducing the energy consumption of the theatre.
This makes Joseph Rowntree Theatre only the second historic listed building in York to now have solar power.
Dan Shrimpton, trustee and fundraising chair, commented: “The support we receive from our audiences is always incredible and we can’t thank them enough. Every penny raised for the new project will enable our beloved theatre and community space to remain open and thriving for everyone to enjoy.
“We have big plans, and we know the generous businesses and people of York and beyond will help to reach our ambitious target. We’d love the Garden Room, once open, to be at the heart of the theatre filled with people using it as a local hub to meet family and friends.”
Tickets to any of the Autumn Festival activities can be found at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre website.