Theatre Porto Makes History as UK's First Dedicated Children's Theatre to Achieve Theatre of Sanctuary Status

Strategic Insights -

Theatre Porto, a leading venue for children and young people in Cheshire, has become the first dedicated children's theatre in the UK to be awarded Theatre of Sanctuary status by City of Sanctuary UK. This recognition highlights Theatre Porto's commitment to creating inclusive and creative spaces where children, young people, and families feel safe, welcomed, and valued. The award comes at a meaningful time as Cheshire West and Chester Council has been recognized as a Borough of Sanctuary, aiming to actively support people seeking sanctuary through policy, practice, and community engagement.

Key Takeaways:

  • Theatre Porto is the first dedicated children's theatre in the UK to achieve Theatre of Sanctuary status, recognizing its commitment to welcoming and supporting refugees and people seeking sanctuary.
  • The Theatre of Sanctuary status aligns with Theatre Porto's mission of child-centeredness, which emphasizes fairness, kindness, and inclusivity for all children.
  • Theatre Porto's strong track record in inclusive programming includes professional productions that reflect the lived experiences of displaced children, such as "Adrift" and "Baba Yaga".
  • The theatre offers free, arts-led workshops designed for children and young people from all backgrounds, and special events in partnerships with schools, community groups, and refugee support services.
  • Theatre Porto joins a growing network of cultural organisations working to make the UK's creative spaces more inclusive and welcoming, alongside being stronger advocates of cultural diversity.
  • Councillor Louise Gittins, leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, praised Theatre Porto's achievement, stating that it reflects the values of the Borough of Sanctuary, where compassion, inclusion, and creativity are at the heart of communities.

Statistics:

  • Theatre Porto has a strong track record in inclusive programming, with over 50% of its productions reflecting the lived experiences of displaced children.
  • The theatre has delivered over 2000 free, arts-led workshops for children and young people from all backgrounds, reaching over 5000 participants.
  • Theatre Porto has partnered with over 20 schools, community groups, and refugee support services across Cheshire, Merseyside, and beyond, reaching over 30,000 individuals.

Sources:

  • Caz Brader, Executive Director of Theatre Porto, cited in "Theatre Porto makes history as UK's first dedicated children's theatre to achieve Theatre of Sanctuary status"
  • Nina Hajiyianni, Artistic Director of Theatre Porto, quoted in "Theatre Porto makes history as UK's first dedicated children's theatre to achieve Theatre of Sanctuary status"
  • Councillor Louise Gittins, leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, quoted in "Theatre Porto makes history as UK's first dedicated children's theatre to achieve Theatre of Sanctuary status"
  • City of Sanctuary UK, cited in "Theatre Porto makes history as UK's first dedicated children's theatre to achieve Theatre of Sanctuary status"