Coronavirus: Oxford Playhouse launches commissioning fund to support artists

Oxford Playhouse has revealed a new programme of work to encourage creativity during the coronavirus outbreak, including the launch of a new commissioning fund.

The theatre has rolled out Playhouse Plays On: The Creativity Continues. Its 10 initiatives include urging people to write a play, moving its classes and workshops online, and the formation of a fund to “support artists in creating work designed to be watched by audiences in their own homes”.

The amount of the fund has yet to be announced.

Programme director Laura Elliot said: “We want to use this unexpected pause in our programme to explore different ways of working with artists and audiences, and continue to provide creative opportunities, during what will be a very difficult time for us all.

“We’re still working out the details of the new fund, and the number of artists we work with will ultimately depend on the scale and ambition of the projects, but we are committed to supporting as many as we can in collaboration with other Oxfordshire arts organisations.”

She added: “We are also very aware of not adding pressure to artists to ‘apply’ for something during this difficult period so are working towards launching this fund in the most supportive way possible.”

The Playhouse Plays On: The Creativity Continues programme will be rolled out over the coming weeks.

All performances scheduled at Oxford Playhouse and the Burton Taylor Studio have been suspended until May 2. Oxford Playhouse will review future performances in the coming weeks.

Chief executive Louise Chantal described the current situation as “a huge challenge for all the cultural partners throughout the region, country and the world”.

“The Playhouse is determined to play a leading role within our community, providing creative opportunities for all, even if the building is closed,” she said.

Readers’ advice on surviving the shutdown – your views, March 26