A Telford Theatre company forced to disband more than a year ago can now re-form thanks to a £50,000 cash boost.
Arty Party, a learning disabled performance group based in Woodside, has been given a new lease of life by the Arts Council who have awarded the group £51,100.
The group, which ran for three years before coming to a halt in the summer of 2008, has seen their work travel in film form as far afield as Canada and New York.
With the injection of cash the performance director, Ray Jacobs, is now calling for 10 new members to join the group.
He is also looking to employ a company manager and has ambitious plans to gain charitable status and eventually find their own premises.
Mr Jacobs said: “A while ago we had to close the performance company and now we are starting it up again.
“It was an achievement to receive the money especially in the current climate. We were surviving on a shoe string but this funding gives us a chance to continue.
“We will be looking for people who are creative, enjoy sharing their artistry, and able to commit themselves to being part of a dedicated team.”
The company will be rehearsing on Mondays, 10am until 3.30pm, from mid-April.
Abid Hussain, diversity officer for the arts council in the West Midlands, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer this grant. Arty Party is one of the few arts led organisations in the region working with learning disabled participants in a structured and long term programme of engagement and development.”
Anyone interested in joining can sign up for one of the company’s taster workshops at the Park Lane Centre, Woodside, on Monday, February 15, from 10am-12noon and 1pm-3pm, or on Tuesday, February 16 , from 1pm-3pm and 6pm-8pm.