Bristol Old Vic
Bristol Old Vic is a theatre based in Bristol and until last summer was the oldest continuously working theatre in the United Kingdom until it had to close temporarily for refurbishment. It has bore some world famous actors/actresses including Jeremy Irons, Patrick Stewart, Greta Scaachi, Patricia Routledge and Gene Wilder. It was awarded a grant from the Arts Council in 2008 to support its cause.
Situation
In 2007, Bristol Old Vic was facing closure due a desperate need to refurbish. The money needed for this would come from business and public donations as well as grants. Without the refurbishment the building would no longer be fit to accommodate a modern audience, resulting in it being physically inaccessible, uncomfortable and unattractive to visit.
Objective
In order to help save Bristol Old Vic, Forward Slash Media worked on the following objectives:
- Educate the local audience to the Bristol Old Vic cause as well as members of the Arts Community.
- Raise Bristol Old Vic campaign profile both with the media and the public.
- Help Bristol Old Vic to persuade key stake holders to the importance of the theatre.
Results
Bristol Old Vic site was mentioned in the local and national press such as the BBC News and the Guardian newspaper and helped elevate the profile accordingly. In addition, the website created was instrumental in persuading the local arts community to attend open forum meetings which resulted in financial support from the Arts Council.