The show must go on

How Derby’s arts and culture community are working to ensure there is no final curtain

- Nigel Powlson

Just because the doors of Derby Theatre are closed to the public doesn’t mean that behind the scenes there isn’t a lot of hard work taking place, aimed at keeping the arts community together.

Finding a way through the coronavirus crisis and ensuring there is artistic life beyond it is the central focus for Derby Theatre’s Artistic Director and Chief Executive Sarah Brigham and her team, who may not be staging plays at present but are supporting the community.

The arts organizations in Derby are also supporting each other as they look to find a pathway through these difficult times.

Sarah said: ‘I have online meetings with other theatres, we are there for each other and the Arts Council’s response has been exceptional, they acted quickly and have been really supportive.

‘I have had meetings on Zoom with QUAD and Déda and other local arts organizations, so it does seem like we are all in this together and are willing to help each other find a way through it.

‘We mustn’t forget the independent sector either, freelance artists have seen their income disappear with no Government help until June. Even that won’t help some of our emerging artists, so we’ve been holding advice surgeries, gathering information about the support available, putting together online workshops about managing a crisis, and looking after their wellbeing.

‘Our Youth Theatre has moved online and we have been delivering food parcels to young people in care as well, so it does feel like, alongside other venues, we have approached this in a community-focused way.

‘We have furloughed some staff but made a clear decision not to furlough any of our community and learning practitioners or artist development practitioners so they can deliver the support that’s needed.