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Status
Received: on time
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Income
£289.5K
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Spending
£305.5K
Public benefits
Accidental Theatre was established to define a new theatre style indicative of the unique culture and people of Northern Ireland. With specific public benefit stemming from the company’s purpose to promote the enjoyment, better understanding and general advancement of the arts and sciences. In particular the art of advanced new theatre making
techniques and styles combined with new theatre writing for the benefit of the general public in Northern Ireland. As well as further abroad through touring, outreach work, talks, workshops, co-productions and participation in the art and science of new theatre. These benefits are evidenced through regular internal and external qualitative and quantitative assessments. As we regularly collate data on audiences, participation and responses to our charitable activities. This includes: photography and video documentation of activities, interviews with broad range of audience members, written surveys of audience and participant responses and press and peer feedback. In addition we undergo regular reporting on our charitable activities and financial performance in annual reports, audited annual accounts and reports to grant funders. Our work is designed to be inclusive and accessible to local and international audiences alike. Tackling local social and cultural issues faced by Northern Irish audiences, whilst placing the country and it issues in the larger global context. Drawing the importance of the country’s connection to the wider world and helping to counter its geographical and cultural isolation from the rest of the UK, Ireland and Europe. We aim to engage a diverse audience, using the power of theatre to be transformative; changing lives by engaging the public with a unique national culture and improving levels of social well-being and heightening self expression. In particular Accidental focuses upon developing new theatre that is not only for and represents the general public of Northern Ireland, it also highlights the marginalised voices in the country. Those who directly benefit from Accidental’s work are first and foremost the general public of Northern Ireland and in addition audiences internationally. Accidental has focused on learning more about our audience, encouraging feedback at all projects through social media, post-show feedback as well as interviews and vox pops. Enabling Accidental to continue producing theatre that appeals to large numbers and remains popular and current. The audience are always at the heart of our work and are often involved in helping us build projects for and around them. Specific projects may address the needs of specific sections of society, for example with new writing skills and education projects in Belfast and surrounding council wards. Other direct beneficiaries include the large number of professionals whom Accidental works with throughout the year, including actors, designers, technicians, filmmakers, musicians and more. We focus upon working with young artists, creating opportunities, work placements and employment for early career artists in multiple disciplines. In our work we specialise in providing opportunities and platforms for young and early career artists to explore and stage their own practice. At the core our practice is building resources and skills that can then be passed on to indirect beneficiaries, who can learn from and further develop Accidental’s work. Though our primary purpose is not community engagement there are many groups who benefit directly from our projects due to their subject, whether they be: youth groups, ethnic minority groups, or socially marginalised communities. We work with these beneficiaries to develop outreach and education work, to bring into community groups and areas of deprivation in Northern Ireland.
... [more] [less]What your organisation does
Accidental Theatre creates theatrical productions and outreach & education projects for the public of Northern Ireland. These are for the entertainment, education and inspiration of our audiences and the general public. We use theatrical productions and methodologies as we believe they are the best ways to directly engage, transform and involve the
public in our work and in using art to effect change in their lives and in deprived areas of Northern Ireland. Our work is public and directly accessible to all members of our society, with many projects being free or low cost. We aim to inspire communities and individuals through large scale theatrical art that captures the imaginations of large audiences. And then more directly engage and educate the public through less visible outreach work. All of our work focuses upon empowering individuals, and giving voices to the often voiceless in society. Raising levels of well-being in communities through artistic engagement, cultural creativity and creating new opportunities to work and engage in the arts. Theatre can have a transformative impact upon individuals, communities and cultures. Once a person learns how to freely express themselves and recognise the importance of this, their lives are no longer the same. We want every citizen of Northern Ireland to have that chance. And the rest of the world to be able to see and appreciate the unique creativity and culture of this country.
... [more] [less]The charity’s classifications
- The advancement of education
- The advancement of the arts, culture, heritage or science
Who the charity helps
- Ethnic minorities
- General public
- Interface communities
- Older people
- Sexual orientation
- Unemployed/low income
- Voluntary and community sector
- Volunteers
- Women
- Youth (14-25 year olds)
How the charity works
- Arts
- Community development
- Cultural
- Education/training
