Live at LICA and The Dukes, together with Lancaster University’s Alumni and Development team, have been awarded £79,000 over two years by the Catalyst Arts scheme, backed by Arts Council England(ACE).

The money will enable both organisations to dramatically raise the level, scope and ambition of their fundraising activity and will feed into their business plans from 2015.

It will help Live at LICA and The Dukes to capitalise on and share existing expertise as well as providing staff training, all with the aim of delivering a step change in the level of fundraising activity for both organisations.

Live at LICA director, Matt Fenton said: “We're delighted to be working with the Dukes and Lancaster University's Alumni and Development team on this significant project. It will see both arts organisations develop a detailed understanding of fundraising and I hope this will help us to thrive, reach new audiences and make more great art happen here in Lancaster."

The Dukes director, Joe Sumsion added: “ Partnership working is at the very heart of The Dukes ambition to become recognised as England’s leading small city producing theatre and cultural centre. Teaming up with Live at LICA and Lancaster University’s Alumni Development reflects our commitment to the process of sharing, learning and, ultimately, achieving lasting benefits for our audiences, community, city and Lancashire.”

Live at LICA and The Dukes have a long history of trust and collaboration. Both are ACE National Portfolio Organisations and are committed to achieving great art for everyone. Each present public programmes of genuine vision and ambition, characterised by artistic excellence, engagement and reach.

Jane Beardsworth, ACE North West regional director, said: “Through the Catalyst Arts scheme, the Arts Council is looking to help the arts and cultural sector to find new income streams and ensure that ambition and innovation is maintained during challenging economic times.

“We’re delighted to make an award to Live at LICA and their consortium partner The Dukes. This investment will enable two organisations, which already have a long history of working collaboratively, to develop ideas to encourage individual giving to the arts.” 

The Catalyst Arts scheme aims to boost philanthropy and is one of the measures that ACE has put in place to help create a more sustainable, resilient and innovative arts and cultural sector.