Cash from 2012 culture fund to train Southwark theatre makers at Young Vic

The grant is part of a £1.2 million programme run by the London Development Agency to enable more Londoners to participate in the Cultural Olympiad and other arts-related activities in the run up to 2012.

"The London games are not just about what happens in August 2012 and sporting participation and achievement," says Mayor of London Boris Johnson. "The Cultural Skills Fund is designed to ensure the legacy of the games will also be about the development of employment, expertise and ability in other areas such as the creative industries."

David Lan, artistic director of the Young Vic, welcomes the launch of the fund which will enable the Waterloo-based theatre to provide intensive training to 100 young people from Southwark.

“At the Young Vic widening access underpins our work on and off stage," he says.

"Integrated with our artistic programme is a renowned participation programme which aims to break down barriers that prevent young people from experiencing theatre as participants – makers and/or audience."