Play to the Crowd, the arts and education charity that runs Theatre Royal Winchester, Hat Fair and Playmakers, has been awarded the title of Theatre of Sanctuary.
The award comes in recognition of its work with people seeking sanctuary by City of Sanctuary UK – a nationally coordinated network of organisations and services that welcome and support refugees and people seeking asylum.
Play to the Crowd’s mission is to delight and unite, and as such welcomes people from all walks of life to come together to celebrate culture and the arts and to reap the benefits associated with watching and participating in performing arts and creative activity.
“Over the past three years, we’ve had the privilege of forging dynamic relationships with community groups and artists who have enriched our platforms – Theatre Royal Winchester and Hat Fair – with their vibrant cultures,” explains Hannah Jones, Engagement Producer.
“These collaborations have not only brought innovation and engagement to our audiences but have also created meaningful connections that celebrate diversity in all its forms.
“It’s been a true joy to embark on these journeys, and our commitment to learning and growing with our community remains at the heart of our work. We eagerly anticipate the new adventures ahead, discovering even more ways to connect, engage, and celebrate the rich tapestry of stories that make Play to the Crowd a welcoming space for all.”
The charity provides welcoming spaces where people can gather safely and feel included, and has worked hard to forge trusted relationships with a number of communities across Winchester and beyond, including Winchester Ukrainian Cultural Association, Portsmouth City of Sanctuary groups and those residing in the Winchester district and Southampton.
In order to connect with these communities, the charity ran creative taster sessions to connect and share stories of lived experiences. Further workshops followed where participants explored their culture, to showcase at events including the Hat Fair Carnival.
Winchester City of Sanctuary, adds: “Play to the Crowd have recently received their Theatre of Sanctuary award. We were honoured to assess them and to see the journey they have been on to embed sanctuary in the work they do.
“It is a pleasure to work alongside them and to see the impact they are making in supporting our sanctuary community to showcase their talents and to give them a platform.
“Thank you for all you have done and continue to do to put sanctuary at the heart of what you do and thank you for leading by example, for reflecting continually on what you can do to make a difference and for encouraging others to do the same. We look forward to working with you in supporting all people seeking sanctuary.”
Play to the Crowd has since programmed a number of local talent opportunities at Theatre Royal Winchester and Hat Fair, giving people a platform to celebrate their culture through performing arts – helping to prompt discussion, alter perceptions and cultivate empathy. The charity also gives international art students from University of Southampton – as part of their Internship scheme – the chance to develop their craft and learn new skills, meet and connect with other communities and cultures across the Winchester district.
Some of the Play to the Crowd team have completed training in trauma informed care in order to better understand the lived experiences of people seeking sanctuary and created an in-house diversity and inclusion action group. The charity also promises to place its work with people seeking sanctuary at the forefront of its charitable vision and champion the creative work of sanctuary artists and communities.
“Our collaborative experiences with Play to the Crowd have been truly inspiring,” says Yuliia Dubovyk, from Winchester Ukrainian Cultural Association. “Their unwavering commitment to building a sense of community, fostering acceptance, and promoting artistic expression has had a profound and positive impact on our Ukrainian community.
“Play to the Crowd has consistently demonstrated a dedication to breaking down barriers and creating inclusive spaces where individuals from diverse backgrounds feel embraced and valued through initiatives, like the Lantern Parade.
“We are truly thankful for the opportunity to participate in this event, as it allows us to come together and create a sense of acceptance, equality, and importance. The chance to collaborate is always empowering, especially for Ukrainians who have arrived in Winchester due to the war. The efforts in making this possible are genuinely cherished.”
To celebrate their award, the charity will be showcasing the talents of those seeking sanctuary at Theatre Royal Winchester in the Sanctuary Local Talent Night on Thursday 3 October at 7pm, and will feature music, song, dance and spoken word.
Tickets are on sale now, from only £4, online or from the charity’s Box Office, at Theatre Royal Winchester.
For more information about the charity’s work with people seeking sanctuary please contact Engagement Producer, Hannah Jones, at hannah.j@playtothecrowd.co.uk.
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