| AdminHistory | Formed in 1973, the Sponsorship Committee was a body of Corporation employees who sought to encourage professional companies and artists to perform in Livingston, most pointedly at the Mews Theatre in the Howden Arts complex. Given the lack of a ready audience and bodies to manage the management and financing of productions in the New Town, the Sponsorship Committee aimed to encourage local societies to sponsor performances, using the Corporation's Minor Amenities fund, and other grants, to guarantee the sponsoring society against loss. The Committee also aimed to undertake the basic management and coordination of performances, such as publicity, sale of tickets, payment of performers, and management of performance, i.e. front of house, the box office, refreshments etc.
The Sponsorship Committee initially aimed its activities at attracting theatre groups and other artists to performing at the Mews Theatre, but they widened their remit in later years to any performance in Livingston.
The Sponsorship Committee dissolved in 1981, basing its decision on ongoing financial losses and the feeling that a programme of community arts could be organised by community councils, schools and the Livingston Festival in a more economical and effective manner.
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