Update on The Watermill Theatre’s funding status

9 November 2022

It was recently announced that The Watermill will no longer receive regular funding from Arts Council England.

Although our funding has been cut, the difference we make in our communities will not be. We remain a regional theatre deeply rooted in our commitment to audiences, artists and local participants. We are proud to say that our work continues because we know that where culture thrives, people and places do too.

Paul Hart, Artistic Director and Chief Executive and Claire Murray Executive Director of The Watermill said:

“We understand that difficult decisions have had to be made as part of the Investment Programme. Arts Council England’s decision not to offer National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) funding to The Watermill Theatre presents a significant challenge. However, we remain committed to serving our audiences and the communities of West Berkshire and to contributing to the UK’s thriving cultural ecology.

We’d like to take the opportunity to pay tribute to our Trustees whose support and guidance is invaluable. We’d also like to thank the brilliant team at The Watermill whose passion for creating great theatre, dedication to collaborating with our communities and commitment to nurturing and developing talent, is exceptional. We know with their support, along with that of our loyal audiences, donors and sponsors, we will find a way to navigate this challenge.”

If The Watermill and the communities we reach mean something to you or someone you know, you can make a difference by making a donation from as little as £1.

Now we need your help more than ever to ensure that the work of The Watermill, and everyone who is part of it, so we can continue to thrive.

Click here to donate to our Thrive campaign.