Blue Teapot Theatre Company has launched its Strategic Arts Plan 2023 – 2027 ‘Owning The Space’ which sets out the company’s vision for the next five years. This is their first arts strategy that is built on three key priorities of Production, Progression and Provision and is a response to the positive development of disability arts in Ireland over the last 20 years.
CEO Artistic Director Petal Pilley said, “We are proud to present our 5 year Strategic Arts Plan ‘Owning The Space’ which reflects a coming of age for Blue Teapot Theatre Company and the unique talent and contribution our artists make to Irish cultural life. With over 25 years performing on the main stages of Ireland, it is all about the artists who can engage and develop on their own terms through three distinct programme strands. They own the space.
Fortuitously, we also recently became the new owners of our theatre premises on Munster Avenue that we have inhabited since 2008. We are thrilled to have a permanent home in the heart of this very special neighbourhood in Galway City. It is time to celebrate!”
Creating the strategy involved the company artists, staff and Board Directors and was developed in consultation with arts advisor & cultural planning specialist Mary McAuliffe, who has over twenty-five years’ experience working in the public and cultural sectors.
Blue Teapot has worked consistently to radically transform theatre practices by telling stories through the lens of disability and pave the way for inclusive practices to become the norm. Particular focus is given to how the company is positioned today at local, national and international levels.
Speaking at the launch, Chairperson Fiona Coffey said, “The Board of Blue Teapot is delighted to be presenting such a visionary and progressive Strategic Arts Plan. Delivering on its goals and objectives will nurture and progress the skills and talents of the company artists and help inform arts and disability policy in Ireland. We look forward to ambitious and exciting times ahead”.
Commenting on the building purchase Chairperson of Galways Westend Traders Association, Simon Heaslip, “Everyone in Galways Westend is ecstatic to hear the news, that our beloved neighbours Blue Teapot, now have a permanent home in our area. This very welcome news only adds to our reputation as the cultural quarter of the city.”
Owning The Space purposely aligns with the Government of Ireland Culture 2025 policy and the Arts Council’s 10-year strategy Making Great Art Work. It informs the development and delivery of artistic programmes and shapes Blue Teapot’s role as influencers in the longer-term for disability arts across Ireland.
The plan is available to view on their new website at www.blueteapot.ie which includes accessibility controls for those who are visually impaired.
