OTP 2020 Hub - The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, Stratford-upon-Avon
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is the independent charity that cares for the world’s greatest Shakespeare heritage in his home town of Stratford-upon-Avon. It is the global centre for learning about and experiencing the works, life and times of the world’s best-known writer. Through the five historic Shakespeare family sites, internationally designated museum collections, award-winning learning programmes and digital channels, we provide imaginative, immersive and interactive opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to get up-close-and-personal with Shakespeare.
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is a self-sustaining charity which generates its income through the support of visitors, donors, volunteers and Friends. In April 2018 it was granted National Portfolio funding from Arts Council England for the first time, enabling new creative and outreach programmes with a particular focus on communities which are currently less engaged in arts, culture and heritage.
World class collections
At the heart of all things Shakespeare, the Trust holds the world’s largest Shakespeare-related library, museum and archives open to the public, with over 1 million documents, 55,000 books and 12,000 museum objects. We also care for the Royal Shakespeare Company’s archive of theatre records, as well as an extensive local history archive of Stratford-upon-Avon and South Warwickshire, with records dating back to the twelfth century.
Our collections have been designated as being of international importance. They are accessible to the public in our historic homes, via our our online catalogue or by visiting the Reading Room at the Shakespeare Centre here in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Learning for all
The Trust runs a world-class, award-winning programme of formal and informal educational courses and literary lectures, to encourage the appreciation and study of Shakespeare’s works, and the advancement of Shakespearian knowledge on an international scale.
Research activity
We have members of staff who are research active and contribute to conferences and events around the world. We continue to produce new publications and to engage in academic debate around Shakespeare’s works, life and times.
More about research at the Trust
Creative programme
Our creative programme aims to explore new ways to engage with Shakespeare’s life and works through the arts. We will be experimenting with a range of new projects for diverse audiences and hope to develop a regular programme of creative conferences, workshops, exhibitions and installations, and events.
Find out more about their OUTing The Past event HERE.
