Opera North & Leeds Grand Theatre Gain Major International Funding

Opera North and Leeds Grand Theatre usher in the New Year with a major vote of support from the international community towards the ongoing Transformation Campaign. The Kresge Foundation, one of the largest foundations in the US has awarded a $750,000 (410,000 GBP) challenge grant which recognises the remarkable range of support Opera North has generated to enable the redevelopment of Leeds Grand Theatre and the creation of a permanent home for Opera North.

The Kresge Foundation gift has, to date, been complimented by strong regional support, including major sponsorships from Yorkshire Bank, Arnold Laver Timberworld and Town Centre Securities.

Richard Mantle, Opera North's General Director commented:

“We are absolutely thrilled by this outstanding gift from The Kresge Foundation. Their enlightened support demonstrates that the strength of Opera North's artistic credentials are being recognised on a truly international platform. This is the first time The Kresge Foundation has supported a project in the north of England . This level of international support for an international project is a substantial boost to the importance of the arts within in the business environment of Leeds .

“The Kresge Foundation grant is one of a number of gifts taking us towards our £5.5m Transformation target. A great deal remains to be done in seeking further funding to complete the project which will bring far reaching benefits to the community in which we work and for future generations.”

Rip Rapson, President of CEO of The Kresge Foundation added:

“With the aid of this challenge grant, we hope that the Transformation campaign can become an even more strategic opportunity to connect with stakeholders and reach out to new donors, volunteers, participants and the general community. Their compelling plan to sustain higher levels of giving after the campaign concludes will also help to strengthen the organisation well in to the future.”

Opera North and Leeds Grand Theatre Development Trust will receive The Kresge Foundation award in September 2007, on completion of the Transformation Campaign at the end of July 2007.

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For further information and images please contact:

Shona Galletly, Senior Press Officer t: 0113-223-3526    shona.galletly@operanorth.co.uk

Notes to editors:

1. Transformation , the renovation of Leeds Grand Theatre and the creation of a permanent home for Opera North, is a partnership with Arts Council England, Leeds City Council, Leeds Grand Theatre and Opera North. It is cast in two phases, with Phase One having been completed for the opening of Rigoletto on Saturday 7 October 2006.

Phase One delivered the building of the Opera Centre adjacent to the Leeds Grand Theatre, including a bridge link, lorry get-in lift and a major technical upgrade in the theatre, with a new flying system and orchestra pit. The Yorkshire Bank Auditorium has been refurbished with improved sightlines, new seating and an air-cooling system.

Phase Two which begins in Summer 2007 comprises the restoration of the Assembly Room – a key element in the development of Opera North's education, artistic and access programmes – together with the restoration of the front-of-house Victorian heritage areas and the theatre's façade.

Cost of Transformation

The cost of the overall project is £31m (Phase One at £20.7m and Phase Two at £10.3m)

For further information visit :www.transformationatleeds.co.uk

2. The Kresge Foundation is a national foundation with $3 billion in assets. Through its grant making programs, The Kresge Foundation seeks to strengthen non-profit organisations by catalyzing their growth, connecting to their stakeholders, and challenging greater support through grants.