Arts Council England

Arts Council England works to get more art to more people in more places. It develops and promotes the arts across England, acting as an independent body at arm’s length from government.

Between 2006 and 2008, we will invest £1.1 billion of public money from government and the National Lottery in supporting the arts. This is the bedrock of support for the arts in England.

We believe that the arts have the power to change lives and communities, and to create opportunities for people throughout the country.

For 2006 to 2008, we have six priorities:

· taking part in the arts
· children and young people
· the creative economy
· vibrant communities
· internationalism
· celebrating diversity


'Opera North is one of our finest opera companies and the Leeds Grand Theatre is now set to become a national centre for excellence. The lottery award of £13.5 million will breathe new life into a very significant arts venue.'

Andy Carver, Executive Director, Arts Council England, Yorkshire

www.artscouncil.org.uk

Yorkshire Bank

“Yorkshire Bank and its owner, National Australia Group, pride themselves on being the kind of organisations that support the communities in which we do business. Our involvement with Opera North and its schools programme is testimony to this.

We are looking forward to working closely with the team behind it and involving as many of our staff and customers as possible.”

Glenn King, General Manager, Customer Service and Delivery,

Yorkshire Bank

www.ybonline.co.uk

Arnold Laver Timber World

"As one of the oldest and most established Timber Merchants within the region, Arnold Laver Timber World is strongly committed to the cultural and environmental development of its local communities.

We are therefore very proud to support the Transformation project, which will restore this wonderful building and create an excellent arts facility right at the core of the vibrant and cultural city of Leeds."

Andrew Laver, Group Managing Director, Arnold Laver Timber World

www.timberworld.co.uk

Strata

"Strata is a dynamic, innovative and successful design led house builder with developments across Yorkshire and the Midlands. Strata is committed to the creation of high quality contemporary homes and vibrant, diverse communities.

We are therefore delighted to support the Transformation project in making a vital contribution to the rich and varied artistic life of the region."

www.homesbystrata.com

Eversheds LLP

"We are a law firm with a profound understandingof social responsibility and what this demands from us by way of action. Our commitment to the communities in which we work is central to who we are and what we do and we are therefore delighted to support the Transformation project. The refurbished Leeds Grand Theatre is a great asset to Leeds."

David Strachan, Partner, Eversheds

www.eversheds.com

Foretel

"The improved facilities that will be offered through the

Transformation Project as well as and Opera North's commitment to engaging children and the wider community are things we are both excited and proud to be associated with."

Bill Holt, Managing Director, Foretel

www.foretel.co.uk

Town Centre Securities PLC

Town Centre Securities PLC, is one of the oldest established property development companies In Leeds. Founded in 1959 by the late Arnold Ziff, the company and the Ziff family, are strongly committed to the cultural and environmental life of the city of Leeds. They have in the past made financial commitments to the Leeds City Art Gallery and to the regeneration of the Canal Gardens and Orchid House at Roundhay Park, 700 acres of parkland, lakes and woodlands close to the centre of Leeds.

Edward Ziff, the Chairman and Chief Executive of Town Centre Securities, is keen to continue the commitment demonstrated by TCS and his family in this area. The Board of Town Centre Securities PLC agreed to make a significant five figure pledge towards the campaign over the next four years.

www.tcs-plc.com

Yorkshire Post

"As one of the most successful regional newspapers in the country, The Yorkshire Post is renowned for supporting initiatives which create opportunities for the people in our area. We are particularly proud to support the Transformation project, which will create an unparalleled arts facility right in the heart of the city."

Chris Green, Managing Director, Yorkshire Post Newspapers Ltd

www.yorkshirepost.co.uk

Gregory Property Holdings Limited

"The Leeds-based Gregory Group was founded 21 years ago, currently specialising in new, commercial property development in the northern counties. The Group has peldged to contribute a five figure sum towards the Transformation project spread over four years."

G Barry Gregory, Chairman, Gregory Property Holdings Limited

Market Town Taverns

"As an innovative company, we're excited to be supporting Transformation and creating opportunities to introduce opera, theatre and dance to wider audiences across Yorkshire."

Ian Fozard

Managing Director, Market Town Taverns

www.markettowntaverns.co.uk

BUPA Care Homes

"BUPA Care Homes is a large and successful Leeds-based company with a strong legacy of caring for people across the region. Many of the 1,400 residents in our 21 care homes across Yorkshire will remember visiting Leeds Grand Theatre and we are delighted to support Transformation in restoring this local landmark to its former glory."

Mark Ellerby, Managing Director, BUPA Care Homes

www.bupacarehomes.co.uk

Shepherd Building Group Ltd

"Shepherd Building Group is delighted to continue to support Opera North and its development plans. These will ensure that it continues to achieve the highest standards of excellence and appeal to opera devotees, old and new."

Mark Shepherd, Director, Shepherd Building Group Ltd

www.shepherd-buildinggroup.com

newmediacollective

"As digital media partner of Transformation, newmediacollective is proud to support the project as it lays the foundations for generations to come, sparking the imaginations of our children, and the creative minds of the future within the culturally vibrant and prosperous city of Leeds."

Dave Eccles, Managing Director, newmediacollective

www.newmediacollective.com

HDC Optical Media Group

"HDC Optical Media Group, specialising in CD and DVD duplication, replication and product packaging, is pleased to support imaginative partnership projects like Transformation that will deliver benefit to communities, create new opportunities for so many people, and further enhance the cultural life of this region."

Jo Stott, Marketing Director, HDC Optical Media Group

www.hdc.uk.com

7HR

"sevenhr are a young, dynamic recruitment agency striving to change and improve the processes that exist within the recruitment industry. It seemed appropriate therefore that the theme of ‘change’ should form an integral part of our decision to support such a noble undertaking within our local community. sevenhr wholeheartedly support the Transformation project and the opportunities the change will create."

Antony Smith
Managing Director, sevenhr

www.sevenhr.co.uk