New drama series Cleddau premieres tonight on S4C – The Pembrokeshire Herald

THE TORCH THEATER, Pembrokeshire’s center for the arts and one of Wales’ premier theaters, today announces the resignation of Managing Director Benjamin Lloyd after a historic five years at the helm.

Ben’s tenure at Torch has seen the lows of the pandemic and the resulting determination to survive and thrive while continuing to serve our communities, and the highs of a record-breaking 45^Th Year. Ben has overseen an exciting renewal of artistic leadership, key national partnerships and co-productions, and the doubling of Torch’s commitment to the young, vulnerable and underrepresented people in our community through the creation of a dedicated youth and community department.

Enduring highlights include the Pembrokeshire Story engagement project, which brought artists and communities together during the pandemic to build a living story archive; a great anniversary year in 2022 with five Torch productions, tours of Wales and the UK and performances in London and Edinburgh with a mix of new lyrics and Torch classics; establishing the ground-breaking Craidd Partnership and securing long-term funding aimed at removing barriers to mainstream theater for deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists and freelancers; and achieving a decisive increase in funding under the Arts Council Wales Investment Review, securing the Torch’s strategic position at the forefront of Welsh theater and bucking the trend of wider funding cuts.

Benjamin Lloyd, managing director, said: “It has been the honor of my career to lead the theater that has given so many of us in West Wales our first and so often only exposure to quality performing arts in all its forms.” The torch is a small miracle in today’s funding climate and a valuable resource for the community. It represents a window to the world beyond and a lifeline for so many – young, old, isolated and vulnerable – in this beautiful, remote part of the world. I am beyond proud of the commitment, skills, humanity and passion of the Teams under my leadership and what we have achieved together at the extreme has been spectacular, making a difference to our community and supporting the arts ecology in Wales in visible and invisible ways.

“However, the commitment required to keep the torch alive during this time was absolutely great and came at no small cost to me and my young family. Now it’s time for me to pass the baton and regain balance. I have absolute confidence in the artistic leadership of the Torch under Chelsey Gillard and trust that the team will continue on this exciting path. As I retire, I will take some time with my family before pursuing new opportunities as we look forward to our next adventure. I will once again enjoy celebrating and supporting the Torch as Patron and look forward to contributing with fresh energy and perspective to the arts and cultural dialogue in Wales and beyond.

“There is never a perfect time to step down, but having been in dialogue for some time about how and when I would make this change, and having secured long-term funding and support for artistic innovation and organizational development, I have “The board made a decision.” that now is the time to make the break. Therefore, I am stepping down today, with interim arrangements in place while the Board reviews the strategic plan and objectives for my successor.

“I would like to thank the staff and volunteer teams (former and current) who do their best to provide our guests with a warm welcome and life-enriching experiences. A big thank you also goes to our partners, funders – especially our colleagues at Arts Council Wales – sponsors, supporters and, above all, our audience. Each of them has given a great vote of confidence in my leadership and the quality of our team’s artistic and community delivery with their support throughout my tenure – both financial and otherwise – which has been greatly appreciated.

“In my parting words on behalf of the Torch, I would like to ask government at all levels to recognize not only the economic and health benefits that the arts generate and deliver, but also the essential contribution that the arts and particularly a venue like the Torch make influences the cultural fabric of their community and society as a whole. Our theaters are, at their best, citadels of expression and inclusion, playing a critical role in creating social cohesion, placemaking and sustaining communities, particularly in times of social decline and unrest. However, such venues within the funded arts sector cannot continue to exist on the goodwill and commitment of their overwhelmed workforce and require adequate funding and support if they are to continue to thrive. Protect the arts, Caru the torch.”

Katrina Marsh, chief executive of the Torch Theater, said: “On behalf of the board and staff team, we thank Ben for his commitment and leadership during the most difficult time in our history.” His commitment to the Torch, its artists and the people of Pembrokeshire has been a Leaving a legacy that we want to protect and build on. We wish Ben and his family all the best in their future endeavors and will work with the senior management team to continue the execution of our operational and strategic plans.”