The July 2000 Arts Council of England treasury settlement contained an unprecedented uplift of £25m per year for theatre funding from 2003/04. Around 75% of this additional money was given to established, building based organisations.

In autumn 2001 South West Arts’ (SWA’s) proposed the development of eight 'locality plans' covering the whole region. The plans provide a framework for local, strategic action, which ensures that the increased funding benefits the theatrical 'food chain' beyond the larger companies which have historically been funded to produce a building based programme. The plans aim to place creative partnerships at the heart of theatre making in the region and promote a climate of trust that encourages the possibility of change.

In November 2005 the Coordinators of the eight locality plans met to develop a plan for regional development. Theatre Southwest is the name of this group. It is the sum of its parts. It has no designated resources or capacity beyond that of the organisations delivering the locality plans throughout the Southwest. It is currently chaired by Kate Dean (Theatre Officer ACE SW).

TSW's aims are listed here >>

To find out more contact the Theatre Development Coordinator in your locality. To see a map of the different localities and the appropriate contacts click here >>