Bradford based arts organisations Mind the Gap and Freedom Studios have received £49,700 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for an exciting project called Magna Carta on Trial. They will explore the context in which the Magna Carta was written, its journey through history and its legacy of freedom and democracy worldwide.

Mind the Gap and Freedom Studios will work alongside professors and students from Heritage Partner Institute of Medieval Studies, University of Leeds.

The project will enable local young people with and without learning disabilities to research the history of the Magna Carta leading to public celebratory events on the 800th Anniversary of the Magna Carta on 15 June 2015. This event will raise awareness of the Magna Carta and commemorate the anniversary through a theatrical event located at the old law courts and Assembly Room at Bradford’s City Hall at 10am and 1pm.

[quote=Julia Skelton, Executive Director, Mind the Gap]"Together we will use our creative expertise to share the heritage of the Magna Carta and its impact on us today with a diverse range of young people from across our district."[/quote]

Following this event, a fun and inspiring film will be made by and for diverse young people to educate other young people on the Magna Carta; its importance and what it means today. The film will be used as a key educational tool, both standalone and as part of a schools workshop tour that will reach 10 schools and community groups this autumn.

The funding has also enabled Mind the Gap and Freedom Studios to employ two new part time freelance roles to help deliver the project. They will also be seeking volunteers to help support the events and workshops.

The project, Magna Carta on Trial, will make this internationally significant historical document more accessible and share its importance with young people across the UK during its 800th anniversary year.

Commenting on the award, Mind the Gap’s Executive Director Julia Skelton said: “This investment from the Heritage Lottery Fund will enable Mind the Gap to run an exciting project with fellow Bradford based theatre company Freedom Studios. Together we will use our creative expertise to share the heritage of the Magna Carta and its impact on us today with a diverse range of young people from across our district.”

Notes to editors

Mind the Gap is England’s largest learning disability theatre company that creates work for UK and international audiences. Their vision is to work in an arts sector where there is equal opportunity for performers with learning disabilities: a world where performers are trained, respected and employed equally, and feature every day on our stages and screens.

They work in partnership with learning-disabled artists to deliver a bold, cutting-edge and world-class artistic programme that impacts locally, nationally and internationally. Work that excites, surprises and challenges audiences.

Freedom Studios is an intercultural theatre company based in Bradford dedicated to creating innovative drama in non-traditional spaces. Our mission is to connect different people and communities by making theatre and telling stories which reflect the lives of contemporary Britons. We nurture and challenge diverse artists in Yorkshire and champion new writing to reach and engage with multicultural audiences, especially those who don’t normally go to theatre.

Further information

Mind the Gap: Rob Abbey, Audience Development Officer on 01274 487 390.