The Hackney Empire has been awarded £400,000 by Arts Council England for a series of infrastructure improvements.
The money will go towards works to improve the financial position of the theatre, increase its environmental performance and make improvements for audiences. This includes installing energy efficient boilers, upgrading the hearing loop and replacing aging technical equipment.
The funding has been awarded as part of the Capital. Small Grants scheme, which aims to improve arts and culture facilities by ensuring they have the right resources. The Geffrye Museum in Hoxton has also been awarded £147,050 towards a new multi-space venue.
Yamin Choudury, Artistic Director for Hackney Empire, said: “Over the last eighteen months, Hackney Empire has been through a period of great change. However, what has never wavered is our resolute commitment to keeping our audiences, artists and communities at our heart. The Arts Council’s capital funding will give us the means to provide them with the best possible resources and will help us further fulfil this promise. The improvements will minimise our environmental impact as well as making our services more sustainable as an organisation.”
Joyce Wilson, London Area Director for Arts Council England, said: “The Arts Council is pleased to be supporting the improvement of facilities and equipment at Hackney Empire. This will help them continue to produce and present great work for the benefit of the artists, audiences and the communities of Hackney and beyond.”
