SIR: It is a very delicate subject to compare the National Lottery Award granted to the Octagon Theatre with the lack of provision at Bolton Hospital. Health, Education and Social Service provision has consistently been under-funded in this country. I would not endorse any money coming to the Octagon Theatre that could go to such other organisations.

However, the Arts Council's Board National Lottery was established to award capital grants for the arts. The Octagon Theatre has already raised £420,000 from other sources, towards the total cost of its £2.3 million refurbishment plan. The National Lottery's £1.68 million is a vital boost in raising the final £120,000. Any company, amateur or professional, is able to apply for these capital grants. The unpaid, dedicated, non-professional companies in Bolton, whose commitments and contribution to the performing arts is a very positive one, can also apply for these if they meet the criteria

From brass bands to the large internationally acclaimed orchestras, opera, dance and theatre companies, the National Lottery currently has the ability to support these organisations and enables them to equip themselves and their buildings. Indeed, Eaton's Farnworth Band have recently received £17,910 towards the cost of new musical instruments, and several other bands and amateur arts organisations have benefited from Lottery money.

The Octagon Theatre is not a profit-making organisation. No subsidised producing theatre in this country, from our neighbouring producing companies in Greater Manchester to the Royal National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company, make a profit. Visual arts, music, dance and drama receives a level of subsidy which allows people access to the arts at reasonable prices.

The Octagon Theatre allows the people of Bolton to experience theatre of the highest artistic standard on their doorstep. We can live without plays. You may not visit the Octagon Theatre, you may have visited it infrequently, but I am sure that people's lives would be the poorer should the building and company not exist.

Lawrence Till

Artistic Director

Octagon Theatre, Bolton

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