Our UK Theatre Funding Advocacy Database
Volunteering cannot replace fair pay—it should complement, not substitute a properly funded sector. Long-term dependence on unpaid labour risks exploitation and burnout.
Alongside your volunteering with us we encourage you to use this database as a starting point to campaign for better funding for UK Theatre and a fair wage for UK Theatre Professionals.
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Check back regularly for updates
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National Trade Unions and Professional Bodies
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Equity
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Primary trade union for performing arts and entertainment industries
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Actively campaigns to stop arts funding cuts
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Organizes petitions, letter-writing campaigns to councilors, and rallies
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Website: www.equity.org.uk
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Musicians' Union (MU)
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Campaigns to protect orchestras facing funding threats
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Advocates for touring funding, tax relief extensions, and protection of organizations Website: musiciansunion.org.uk Contact Emails:
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Equality & Inclusion: equalities@themu.org
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Communications: comms@themu.org
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Campaigns: campaigns@themu.org
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Live & Theatre: live@themu.org
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Orchestras: orchestral@themu.org
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Membership: membership@themu.org
National Funding Bodies and Initiatives
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Arts Council England
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Implements "Let's Create" strategy
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Manages government grant distribution
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Website: www.artscouncil.org.uk
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Phone: 0161 934 4317 (10am-4pm)
Creative Scotland
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Public body supporting creative and cultural sector in Scotland
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Website: www.creativescotland.com
Arts Council Wales
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Manages government grant-in-aid and National Lottery funds
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Website: www.arts.wales
Educational and Training Organizations
Federation of Drama Schools
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Represents leading UK drama schools
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Website: www.federationofdramaschools.co.uk
Advocacy Organizations and Campaigns
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Theatre Nation Partnerships
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Led by National Theatre
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Network extending across England
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Website: www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/about-us/theatre-nation-partnerships
Recent Major Initiatives
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Heritage Revival Fund
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£4.85 million initiative for historic building rescue
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Website: ahfund.org.uk/grants/england
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