Liverpool’s Unity Theatre and Bluecoat have been named among the recipients of Arts Council England’s Catalyst: Evolve funding.

The Unity has been awarded a £133,900 grant to help bankroll its £230,000 creative and organisational development programme, with its fellow arts venue picking up £150,000 for future development.

The funding will allow the Unity to deliver additional creative output alongside its existing work and trial new methods of income generation.

Its new ventures will include extra commissions, a Digital Artist in Residency programme, support for producers and the wider creative community, and a series of Ideas Labs.

Chair of Unity Theatre, Chris Bliss says: “This is a really exciting investment in Unity Theatre by Arts Council England, which is being made at a critical time. This will enable us to deliver more programme wise, with a wider impact, but it will also help embed fundraising into the heart of the organisation.”

Meanwhile, Bluecoat has confirmed its grant will be used to help the venue “cement its place as Liverpool’s centre for contemporary arts”.

Bluecoat, Liverpool

The organisation will receive its funding in two parts – an initial £50,000, followed by the Arts Council matching every pound donated by individuals, companies and foundations to Bluecoat up to the value of £100,000.

Chief executive of Bluecoat Mary Cloake says: “This funding offers a great opportunity for Bluecoat to sustain and develop its work.

“At Bluecoat we are committed to creating remarkable experiences for the people of Liverpool, making excellent and challenging artistic work accessible to the widest possible audience, and supporting artists’ development.”

Two other North West organisations were awarded Catalyst: Evolve funding, with the Citadel Arts Centre in St Helens bagging £141,050 and Ellesmere Port-based Action Transport Theatre Company receiving £107,000.

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