The Palace Theatre grants helping to support the arts in Newark
Newark's Palace Theatre has awarded its first grant as part of the Our Past Your Future scheme.
The fund, which was set up for the theatre’s centenary in 2020, was aimed at giving back to the community which has supported it and to ensure the continued championing of the arts in Newark.
Following a round of applications and interviews the first grant of £1,500 was awarded to Ella Lighten by a panel made up of representatives from the theatre, Newark and Sherwood District Council and principal sponsors Tallents Solicitors.
Ella, who has plans to study creative writing at Sheffield Hallam University, said: “It is such an honour to be receiving the Our Past Your Future grant as I believe it will not only help me so much with the cost of my degree in Creative Writing, but it will also inspire me to work harder for the people pushing for my success.
"It makes me so proud to have grown up in Newark, a town that supports the arts exponentially, because I wouldn't be the creative person I am today without its opportunities. I hope that one day I can give back to the town of Newark and inspire others to reach for their dreams in the arts the way I am.”
A condition important for an applicant's success was for them to give back to the town and throughout Ella's journey the team from the Palace Theatre will be keeping in contact to enable her to do that.
The judging panel were so overwhelmed by the talent shown during the interview process that they decided to award an additional, second discretionary grant of £250 to Lilie Hill.
Lilie is a dancer currently in training, who has also developed social media channels designed to encourage self-care for people working in the performing arts. This funding will mean she will be able to afford to continue training over summer in London.
Carys Coulton-Jones, Business Manager for the Palace Theatre, said: “The quality of applications that we received for our first year of Our Past Your Future made the panel’s job exceptionally difficult. We met candidates from across a range of disciplines and they all made it clear how passionately they believe in the importance of arts and culture for young people.
"However, the way Ella was able to explain how she weaves her love of storytelling into so many aspects of her life really inspired us all and meant that it was a unanimous decision that she should be our first grant recipient. We also felt compelled to make a payment to Lilie, whose enthusiasm for dance is coupled with her care and compassion for other people in the performing arts. We can’t wait to see where their careers take them!”
Alistair Millar, Partner at Tallents Solicitors, added: "It was wonderful to see the breadth of talent in the district, from dancing to writing. I am delighted that Tallents Solicitors is able to offer support to these young people in progressing their aspirations."
Councillor Rhona Holloway, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Visitors at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “It’s fantastic the Fund is able to be mutually beneficial for the awarded applicant, the district and the theatre, allowing the Palace’s legacy to survive, young local talent to thrive and inspiring future generations to keep the arts alive in Newark and Sherwood.”
For news on the scheme and to find out when the next round of applications opens for the Our Past, Your Future Fund, check the Palace Theatre Newark website and social media channels.
