Thanks to The Stage for publishing a letter from our Advisory Board Member Sheila Vanloo calling for a shake-up of theatre boards
The letter is available for registered readers to view here – three articles can be read each month for free, or unlimited for subscribers. Sheila has shared the text of the letter with us as below – we wholeheartedly agree!
Dear Sir,
Across the country theatres, both large and small, are struggling to keep their doors open. Yes, Covid had a massive impact alongside the deep and unwarranted cuts in funding for the Arts, but there are other factors to be considered one of which has rumbled on for years concerning theatre boards. What are they? Who are they? How do they achieve these vital roles and are they fit for purpose?
It seems to me that many boards are made up of old white men and women who have little or no interest in theatre or the Arts in general, but have time on their hands so taking a seat on a theatre board a) gives them something to do and b) makes them look good within their community. Neither of these reasons are qualifications for running a bath let alone a theatre.
Who oversees boards, particularly when they are registered charities? Some incompetent Trustees rumble on for years bringing absolutely nothing to the table, content to turn up for meetings, offering no input, but refusing to accept the experienced advice that theatre managers provide simply because ‘they are the trustees and know best’, until things go horribly wrong when they quickly deny any knowledge or culpability.
Isn’t it time for a shake up within the industry whereby some kind of standards apply to all Arts & Theatre boards to ensure a mix of class/race and age, boards made up of people with real skills, a good knowledge of the Arts in their area and fire in their bellies?
