About
Gibraltar stands as guardian to the Mediterranean Sea, ancient marker for the known world and an indomitable British military bastion.
A population of approximately 32,000 people and boasting a flourishing economy, Gibraltar has become a key pillar in the region for tourism, maritime services, financial services and e-gaming.
Situated 14 miles away from Morocco and sharing a land border with Spain, Gibraltar fuses British standards with a multi-cultural strength, access to the EU and a major hub for super yachts and cruise liners.
COVID-19 has created a lack of trust in major investment worldwide, yet Gibraltar’s steady growth and indeed its reputation as a strong economy (ranked fourth worldwide in terms of GDP per capita) has meant
that plans for multi-million pound investments such as the new Hilton Hotel, Victoria Keys and Eastside development are well underway.
With a recorded 10 million visitors per year arriving via land border, cruise liner or plane, this prosperous nation is primed to take art and culture to the next level.
The Gibraltar National Theatre Foundation was set up as a body to spearhead the raising for the funds needed to proceed with the Gibraltar National Theatre Project.
Its Patron is His Excellency the Governor Sir David Steel. It is chaired by the Hon John Cortes MBE, and its members, from a cross section of Gibraltar’s philanthropic, business, legal and educational communities are Kishin Alwani, Dale Cruz, Nyreen Llamas, Peter Montegriffo, Charles Sacarello, Keri Scott and Maxi Torres.
Its bankers are the Gibraltar International Bank.
The John Mackintosh Hall is the leasehold of the John Mackintosh Educational Trust, which supports the project and is represented on the Foundation. The John Mackintosh Hall is managed on behalf of HM Government of Gibraltar by Gibraltar Cultural Services.
The Gibraltar National Theatre design is progressing apace through support from HM Government of Gibraltar’s Ministry of Culture and a significant donation from the Kishin Alwani Foundation, with Gibraltar-based architects working with theatre specialists Charcoal Blue from the United Kingdom and the experienced technical team as Gibraltar Cultural Services.
The Project obtained Outline Planning Permission in February 2022 and is ready to proceed, subject to a successful funding campaign.
Patron:
HE the Governor
Vice Admiral Sir David Steel KBE DL
Trustees:
Kishin Alwani
John E. Cortes
Dale Cruz
Nyreen Llamas
Peter C. Montegriffo
Charles J. Sacarello
Keri Scott
Belvedere Trustees Ltd
represented by Maxi Torres
Gibraltarian sports investment has increased exponentially in the previous decade, to name a few key events admittance to UEFA and FIFA for our football, the hosting of the Island Games and continuing at the Commonwealth Games.
The arts, however, have long been limited by the lack of a real theatre with space and technical support that will allow performers to fully express themselves.
Gibraltar has a long and rich tradition in the performing arts. As long ago as the 1800’s a civilian theatre was built by public subscription on what is now Alameda Grand Parade. The Ince’s Hall added a military flavour to the tradition.
With the right infrastructure and opportunities the varied cultural activities undertaken by thousands of young members of our community could flourish and reach new heights.
If even now Gibraltar is able to achieve world championships in Dance, status as recognized actors and artists on the international stage, imagine the possibilities that would open with the right investment and what might be accomplished.
The region of Gibraltar finds itself is also devoid of major theatrical facilities that can be accessed with the ease at which one could arrive here, this Cultural Hub would ascend to be a beacon of the arts and attract visitors and performers from around the world.
