The trade union Prospect is to sponsor Island of Culture’s live screening programme throughout 2014.
The sponsorship agreement launched officially with the acclaimed National Theatre production of War Horse, based on the book by Michael Morpurgo, screened before an invited audience at Ballakermeen High School’s Studio Theatre.
Prospect’s negotiations officer Angela Moffat said: ‘There is a strong emphasis in these year-long cultural celebrations to engage with a broad cross section of the community and we fully support Island of Culture’s aim to make culture more mainstream and accessible to a wider audience. This resonates very much with our work to advance equal opportunities and support Isle of Man projects that can bring benefit to the local community.
‘We’re pleased to be sponsoring Island of Culture’s live screenings. They provide an opportunity to see all kinds of theatrical events in drama, opera, music and dance in a “live-to-cinema” setting. It’s an exciting area, one we’re proud to sponsor, as it’s a way to bring performing arts to greater numbers of people at a more affordable cost. Simply put, it’s about democratising culture.’
Island of Culture event director Michael Lees said: ‘We’re extremely grateful to Prospect for their generous sponsorship and, of course, to Ballakermeen High School, for acting as hosts.
‘Thanks to the support of Prospect these live screenings will add a new dimension to the depth and breadth of first-class theatrical experiences available to audiences in the Isle of Man.’
Ballakermeen High School’s head teacher Adrienne Burnett said: ‘The school is proud to be at the forefront of cutting edge live screening technology in the Island and able to show the very best productions the UK and Europe have to offer in the intimate surroundings of the Studio Theatre.’
For details of Island of Culture 2014 live screenings visit www.islandofculture.im
Photo - Island of Culture 2014 event director Michael Lees and Ballakermeen High School head teacher Adrienne Burnett at the War Horse screening. Picture Steve Babb Photography. (Photo Andrew Barton Photography).
