Future of RSC Education secured by major endowment
Harriet Clifford
Friday, December 4, 2020
The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) has received a major grant from Paul Hamlyn Foundation (PHF) to support the future of the Company’s work in schools across the UK.
Stewart Hemley
Included in the grant is a £7m endowment, with the annual income generated by it used solely to support the RSC’s work with young people, teachers, and schools.
A £500k grant has also been provided to enable the RSC and its partner theatres and schools to begin a longitudinal study into the impact of theatre-based approaches to Shakespeare’s work on learning outcomes for children and young people.
It is hoped that the research will make an important contribution to the case for arts in schools and the value of arts-based learning, especially for children experiencing disadvantage.
Jacqui O’Hanlon, director of RSC Education, said, ‘This endowment is extraordinary, especially coming in the midst of the hardest professional and personal test any of us has faced. It is particularly welcome as schools face significant challenges in supporting the wellbeing needs of young people as well as ensuring basic skills, reading and writing.
‘No one has the answers about what the future holds for society, education or arts and culture, but this award means that we can secure a future for this work, knowing that it contributes towards wellbeing, supports young people to find their voice, and discover more about themselves and who they want to be.’
Supported by PHF since 2008, RSC Education targets schools in areas of disadvantage and uses rehearsal room techniques to unlock Shakespeare for thousands of young people, teachers and parents.
Moira Sinclair, chief executive of PHF, said, ‘At Paul Hamlyn Foundation, our vision is for a just society, in which everyone, especially young people can realise their potential and lead fulfilling and creative lives. Access to arts and culture in school is an important contributor to that vision, and our trustees see that commitment reflected in every aspect of the RSC’s work.’
RSC Education reaches over 500,000 students every year through a range of activities including workshops, CPD for teachers, free streaming of productions, Next Generation talent development programmes, Shakespeare Ambassadors programme, and more.