Unity Theatre has announced the success of their three-week fundraising campaign to raise money to support more Liverpool artists, today they will be reopening applications for their Open Call programme to support up to 12 more artists with income, creative opportunity and welfare support following the pandemic. These artists will join the 12 that have already been announced as part of Unity’s 2021 Season.
In total the Crowdfunder has exceeded it’s £7500 target and raised over £10,300, allowing Unity to fund 12 additional artists. This figure includes a donation of £2500 from neighbours Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse.
The purpose of Unity’s Open Call was not only to provide Liverpool artists with money and the chance to perform again after the pandemic removed most work, but also to ensure that a diverse group of artists could access this opportunity. This new collaboration with the Everyman and Playhouse will build on this work and will fund at least two additional artists, with a focus on ethnically diverse theatre makers.
Gordon Millar, CEO and Artistic Director of Unity says:
“We have been blown-away by the response to our fundraising campaign to support additional Liverpool artists through our Open Call programme. It has been such a difficult time for live performers, with income streams and creative outlets restricted. Witnessing the support of the public these past three weeks and the immense generosity they have shown toward the city’s artists proves what we already knew about creativity being a cornerstone of our city. Collaboration is also a crucial part of what makes Liverpool’s artistic community thrive, so we are delighted to be working with our friends at Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse for this second wave of Open Call applications. By exceeding our target, we are able to double the number of artists we can support, so we are extremely grateful to all who donated”.
Mark Da Vanzo, CEO of Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse theatres, explained why the theatres chose to support The Unity:
“It is so important, especially now, that we come together to champion and help develop emerging artists. There is a wealth of creativity in Merseyside that deserves to be celebrated and seen. We commend the Unity on this brilliant initiative and are delighted to be involved”.
The first 12 artists supported by Unity through the Open Call Programme have already been announced, you can read more about them here. In early-April Unity will share full details of their work alongside information about the additional artists the Crowdfunder money has allowed them to support.
To find out more and apply for Unity’s Open Call Programme, including the two places funded by Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse, please click here. Artists who previously applied for the Open Call need not resubmit their application as the panel are already in the process of shortlisting from those submitted in December. Applicants can resubmit with any updates or enter a second application.
