Arts Council’s Creative Foundations Fund Investment to Future-Proof Facilities

14th April 2026

The New Vic Theatre has received funding of £295,308 from Arts Council England and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) through the Creative Foundations Fund, to enable the theatre to undertake a major upgrade of essential control wiring throughout both the auditorium and backstage areas. The project will pave the way for the installation of new digital sound, lighting and communications systems, key infrastructure that underpins the creation and presentation of high-quality theatre.

The upgrade will enhance the technical capabilities of the venue and future-proof the building for years to come. The modernisation of core systems will also help to reduce ongoing maintenance costs and improve efficiency, ensuring resources can continue to be focused on creative activity.

This investment represents a significant step in safeguarding the long-term sustainability of the New Vic Theatre and protecting its role as a cultural hub for Newcastle-under-Lyme and the wider region.

The New Vic is one of only 13 organisations in the West Midlands to receive a share of the funding at this time, marking the first projects to benefit from the government’s Arts Everywhere Fund. Today’s investment is administered and delivered by Arts Council England on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, with the New Vic’s grant coming from The Creative Foundations Fund (CFF).

Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy said: “I want everyone, everywhere to feel a sense of pride about where they come from. Cultural organisations across the West Midlands are important custodians of local identity and play a key role in the story we tell ourselves as a nation.

“Our Arts Everywhere Fund is delivering on our commitment to support cultural assets across the country, increasing access and preserving them for future generations. This is demonstrated by grants announced today that will benefit thirteen culture venues, museums, and library services across the West Midlands.

“Arts and culture are the beating hearts of our communities, they have the power to unite us in the face of division and break down barriers to opportunity. We want to harness the power to help us build a brighter future for the people of the West Midlands.”

Liz Johnson, Midlands Area Director at Arts Council England, said: “Our Creative Foundations Fund invests in buildings and equipment to help keep venues across the country up and running, for everyone to enjoy. It improves sustainability and revitalises cultural assets, so organisations can provide a bolder and bigger programme of activity for their communities. 

“We’re pleased to offer £295,308 funding to the New Vic Theatre to update essential control wiring throughout the auditorium and backstage areas. This will reduce maintenance costs and future-proof the theatre, so it can continue to provide excellent theatrical experiences for audiences to enjoy.” 

The New Vic extends its sincere thanks to Arts Council England and DCMS for their investment.