ARC Stockton Arts Centre has launched a two-year project that aims to give every child in Stockton the chance of a free trip to the theatre – with public support in the form of donations.

A Theatre Trip for Every Child is being piloted in the borough in partnership with a similar arts venue in Lewisham, with the support of Arts Council England and the Paul Hamlyn Foundation with a view to making it a national venture in the future.

Over the last few years, theatre attendance among primary school children has fallen dramatically across the country. It is hoped to counteract the decline by offering a free theatre trip to every child in Stockton funded by public donations.

The initiative, initially scheduled to run until March 2019, will first offer places to every child in the borough aged five and six. As it develops, this will be expanded to other age groups.

Annabel Turpin, chief executive and artistic director, hopes the campaign will remove barriers associated with attending the theatre.

“Often people can be put off by the perceived cost barrier, or because they aren’t sure it’s for them, with A Theatre Trip for Every Child we hope to encourage local children to build a lifelong relationship with the theatre, and culture more generally. To be confident in going in to, and making use of, our public, cultural spaces,” she said.

“We believe that introducing young children to the theatre can be transformative. It can shape the way they see the world, the questions they ask and the friendships they make."

The theatre is asking individuals and businesses to scheme with £10 donations to cover the price of a ticket for a child. Donations can be made in person or online.

The initiative is in partnership with The Albany, in Lewisham, which shares similarities with Stockton. It is also supported by Stockton Borough Council. Further details, visit arconline.co.uk/everychild.