Nottingham Playhouse will receive £285,574 from a £130 million government initiative designed to assist theatres, museums, and libraries across England. The money comes from the Arts Everywhere Fund and will be split among 130 venues with the aim of ensuring arts and culture are available to everyone rather than just a privileged minority.

The theatre, which UK Theatre named the Most Welcoming Theatre in 2023 in recognition of its work on accessibility, has identified two projects for the funding: fitting a new lift and installing energy-efficient lighting. Chief executive Stephanie Sirr said the organisation was delighted to secure the grant, adding that while the Playhouse would need considerable investment in its facilities over the coming years, the money would be well spent on the lift and on replacing outdated, energy-hungry theatre lighting with contemporary LED alternatives. She expressed enthusiasm about the success and welcomed the national investment, which she said had been needed for some time.

The charity based at Wellington Circus relies heavily on grants, trusts, and donations to supplement its income. Last year the theatre encountered a £60,502 funding gap after Nottingham City Council, which faced financial pressures, withdrew its annual contribution—a move the theatre described as short-sighted. Among the notable productions staged there was Punch, a powerful drama inspired by the true events of a teenager who killed a man with a single reckless punch.

This represents the first time projects will benefit from this fund, which also aims to protect and preserve arts venues for both present and future generations. The funding has been managed by Arts Council England on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. London’s Southbank Centre obtained the largest allocation of £10 million, while the Royal Opera House received £5 million.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said people up and down the country took real pride in their local communities, and that local arts venues, museums, and libraries were central to this, telling stories, reflecting identities, and bringing people together. She explained that was precisely why the Arts Everywhere Fund mattered, noting that support was being given to 130 venues across the country. She stressed that arts and culture should not be exclusive to a privileged few but should belong to all, everywhere, as they brought people together, created opportunities, and strengthened the sense of community. She said this was the contribution they could make while building a stronger future for the nation.