Fifers will be given a unique opportunity to shape the future of Kirkcaldy’s Adam Smith Theatre.
The new project, entitled Relevant: Adam Smith, will allow the local the community to have its say on how the facility is used in future.
The initiative will run over the next seven months involving a mixture of online interaction and face-to-face sessions with regular users of the theatre as well as community and business representatives.
Michelle Sweeney, OnFife’s Director of Creative Development says its hoped it will results in services being provided that meet the community’s expectations.
Chance to shape theatre’s future
She said: “We want to create a vibrant and creative space at the heart of the community and one that is welcoming and inclusive.
“To help achieve this, we want people’s voices to be heard and Relevant: Adam Smith is a creative consultation project that will work with staff, key stakeholder groups and the wider public to explore the building’s spaces and services.
“It is focused squarely on engaging with people and giving them a platform to have their say about how this much-loved theatre is developed in a way that is relevant to them.
“This in turn will shape our long-term planning and help us make sure the Adam Smith – not just the theatre auditorium but all the spaces in the building – is providing what our community needs and wants.”
The landmark theatre building is currently undergoing a £2.4m refurbishment which is due to be completed in May 2023.
New additions to the historic theatre will include a cafe and bar, a creative hub and a refurbished Beveridge Suite.
Those wanting to get involved in shaping the theatre’s future can do so by a number of means.
£2.4m refurbishment nears completion
The project has its own dedicated website at www.relevantonfife.co.uk, which will carry weekly blogs from guest contributors and regular polls and surveys on a variety of topics relevant to the theatre.
Early in the new year people will also be able to attend workshops more closely designed to gather more opinions on the theatre’s future role within the community.
“We would love anyone interested in the future of the Adam Smith Theatre to get involved but we also want to hear from people who haven’t used it in the past because it should also be a place that is relevant to them,” added Michelle.
Relevant: Adam Smith is the first of three community engagement projects OnFife will be undertaking in Fife after being awarded more than £240,000 from the Creative Scotland Recovery Fund for Cultural Organisations.
Michelle said the award will help operators OnFife to attract more customers to Adam Smith theatre and as well as to explore more business opportunities.
“As we emerge from the pandemic, this funding from Creative Scotland provides a golden opportunity to help plan services for the future that are relevant and which will strengthen our financial sustainability.”
Conversation