We are beyond excited to announce that Zest Theatre will join Arts Council England’s National Portfolio from April 2023!

Earlier today, it was announced that Zest has been awarded £180,000 of public funding every year for the next 3 years, amounting to £540,00 of support. This investment will enable Zest to create increasingly transformative, high-quality theatre and cultural experiences for thousands of young people across the length of the country between 2023 - 2026.

Through today’s announcement, Arts Council England are boosting spending in arts, museums and libraries in villages, towns and cities where investment is currently too low. Communities want to be creative and have the very best art and culture available to them in their neighbourhoods.  This portfolio will deliver for them, it is Arts Council's most varied and ambitious yet. That is more important in tough economic times, when arts, museums and libraries offer comfort, distraction and everyday wonders to communities, and investment in creative talent and organisations will drive growth in our world leading creative industries.    

Becoming a National Portfolio Organisation is a huge milestone for Zest, recognising the national significance of the company’s work over the last fifteen years, and its contribution to Lincolnshire’s cultural ecology.

Zest produces a range of national touring work across schools, outdoor festivals, digital platforms, and traditional theatre venues. Through partnerships with venues and local authorities, the organisation’s work is rooted in the communities it serves; investing time and energy in groups and individuals to share the story of young people on the national stage.

Zest’s Artistic Director, Toby Ealden said:
“Today’s announcement is a huge moment for Zest, at a time when services for young people are needed the most. This investment will enable Zest to build increasingly intentional relationships with communities across the country – providing creative opportunities for young people to be seen, heard, and celebrated in the places they call home. Joining Arts Council’s National Portfolio is significant, not only for Zest but, also for Lincoln and the wider county – supporting regionally produced work that will tour the country, whilst developing new talent from across Lincolnshire.”

Dr Rona Mackenzie, Chair, Zest Theatre, said
“We are thrilled to learn that Zest Theatre has been selected as a National Portfolio Organisation by Arts Council England. Across our fifteen-year history, our young people, staff, creatives, and trustees have continually created exciting and innovative ways to amplify the voices of the next generation. Throughout this time, we have been led by Toby Ealden, and this announcement is testament to his vision, creativity, and unwavering commitment to young people and the communities within which they live.”

Peter Holland, Vice Chair Zest Theatre, said
“Whereas we're jubilant to have been recognised by the Arts Council England, we acknowledge that for many organisations across the country, today’s news will be less positive and will inevitably lead to difficult decisions being made. Zest Theatre has always managed this financial risk, and at times survival, to ensure the important work we do can exist as a constant support to the voices of young people, not only in Lincoln but nationwide. We look forward, and welcome opportunities to create new and exciting relationships with other organisations in the portfolio, and beyond, to ensure we continue to platform work by young people, for young people to the high standards they deserve.”

Arts Council England Chair, Sir Nicholas Serota, said: “As well as continuing our commitment to our many established and renowned cultural organisations, I am deeply proud of the support we will be giving to those new organisations which will help ignite creativity across the country.  We are facing economic pressures at present but this funding is about an investment in our future. This portfolio will support the next generation of visionary inventors, makers, performers and artists. In particular, the growth of our funding for organisations that support and develop work for children represents a profoundly important long-term investment in our country’s talent.” 

Arts Council England Chief Executive, Darren Henley, said: “Together, each of the 990 organisations that have been offered funding today will contribute to a portfolio that is rich, varied and truly national. This is our widest ever spread of investment across the country, ensuring that many more people will have access to a wider choice of exceptional art, culture and creative opportunities on their doorsteps. We are in tough times but we must remember creativity brings with it extraordinary dividends, boosting our country’s economic growth, creating jobs, bringing communities closer together, and making us happier as individuals. Everyone deserves to enjoy the benefits it brings, and with this investment, we believe we’ve taken a decisive step towards making that vision a reality.”

Peter Knott, Area Director for Arts Council England said: “Opportunities for young people to take part in the arts are key to developing the next generation of creative talent which is why we're delighted to be supporting Zest Theatre as part of the portfolio. We look forward to seeing them producing and sharing exciting new work in Lincoln and further afield."

Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan said: "Thanks to this new government funding package, spreading more money to more communities than ever before, people living in areas from Wolverhampton to Wigan and Crawley to Chesterfield will now get to benefit from the deep economic and social rewards culture can bring. We continue to support our icons such as the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Royal Shakespeare Company, but today's announcement will see organisations in places all too often overlooked get the support they need to transform access to the arts for everyone - no matter where they live."