13th June 2008

Hull Truck Theatre sets the standard!

Hull Truck Theatre has become a member of the Fundraising Standards Board (FRSB) – ahead of one of its most important years of fundraising.

As well as being a world-famous theatre company, Hull Truck is also a registered charity and has a fundraising target of £520,000 to meet before the opening of its prestigious new theatre next spring.

The FRSB scheme, recognised by its ‘tick mark’, is intended to encourage high standards in fundraising and to increase confidence in charitable giving.

Hull Truck Theatre’s Joint Artistic Director John Godber said: “We have a lot of fundraising to do between now and next spring and will be calling on businesses and the public for their support.

"It is important that they have 100 per cent confidence in Hull Truck Theatre when donating, and having FRSB membership will give that assurance.”

Staff at the theatre are working to raise £520,000 towards fit-out of the new building on Ferensway, including equipment such as seats and backstage facilities.

More than £111,000 has already been raised in grants from trusts and foundations.

To raise the rest of the money, the company will be announcing a range of corporate sponsorship opportunities and are calling on audiences to donate.

Donations can be made when visiting the theatre in the boxes provided or by downloading a form from the website.

Fundraising for the new theatre has been ongoing for 10 years.

The theatre has already raised £14m with support from Arts Council England, Hull City Council, the European Regional Development Fund and Yorkshire Forward.

The building, designed by Wright & Wright, is being built by Quarmby Construction Company.

It will incorporate a 440-seat main auditorium and 134-seat studio theatre, an education suite, corporate facilities and cafe bars.

Enquiries about corporate opportunities should be made to Hull Truck Theatre Development Team on (01482) 325012 or development@hulltruck.co.uk

Ends

Media enquiries to Alice Mooney on 01482 325012 or alice@hulltruck.co.uk

Notes for editors:

· Hull was chosen as one of the first cities in the country to pioneer local registration with the FRSB.
· Hull Community and Voluntary Services (CVS) worked with local charities and not-for-profit organisations to register with the scheme, providing free advice and presentations.
· Hull Truck Theatre was formed in 1971, operating from the back of a truck.
· In 1983, the theatre company acquired its first home, a converted church hall in Spring Street.
· Hull Truck Theatre’s Artistic Directors are John Godber and Gareth Tudor Price.
· Hull Truck Theatre will continue to stage productions at its Spring Street venue as normal until spring 2009.