Arte e Cultura
Launch of The Theatres Trust's Conference 12 Report: 'Delivering Sustainable Theatres'
The Theatres Trust's Conference 12 Report is launched today at the international entertainment technology event, PLASA 2012. Prepared by journalist and writer Jo Caird , the report provides highlights of the rich variety of speakers and discussions that took place on 12 June 2012 at the Trust's annual conference held at Stratford Circus in London close to the Olympic Park.
Chaired by journalist and broadcaster Samira Ahmed , the conference concluded that making theatres more sustainable doesn't just help theatres become more viable, it also helps them to promote civic life and make a real contribution to sustainable development. Delegates identified that theatres were centrally important to achieving cultural wellbeing and should be recognised as community assets. They also agreed that there needed to be a greater focus on environmental and building improvements that could help theatres become financially self-sufficient, manage their assets better, and increase engagement with their communities. Keynote speaker, Griff Rhys Jones said "truly sustainable theatres are those that reach out to their communities. Nothing brings out that sense of pride than a theatre in the centre of the town."
Conference Reporter, Jo Caird's excellent report provides key principles from the day and and best practice for theatres looking to achieve sustainability across the triple bottom line of social, environmental and economic sustainability. These principles draw on the Trust's own ERDF funded Ecovenue project which focused on environmental sustainability, and provide advice for theatres looking to demonstrate how they contribute to sustainable development and cultural wellbeing, as contained in the new National Planning Policy Framework.
The Trust's Director, Mhora Samuel says, "This was one of our most inspirational conferences to date and I'm delighted with the report. We came together as one voice and really moved the sustainability debate forward. The Theatres Trust's work to help protect theatres and make them more sustainable will be more equally focused on the three pillars of the economy, social equity and the environment as we go forward."
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