Vision Statement

‘Our goal is to transform Adam Smith Theatre into a lively cultural centre for Kirkcaldy and beyond. More than just a venue, it’s a place where everyone can find entertainment, inspiration, and a sense of belonging. 

Through community engagement, we’ll not only offer desired programmes, but also build strong connections with local businesses, enhancing Kirkcaldy as a whole. We’re dedicated to celebrating arts in every form, fostering creativity, nurturing inspiration, and championing inclusivity.  

Let’s brighten Kirkcaldy’s cultural scene together through the power of the arts!’ 

Read on to learn how your community generate this.

The Journey
As the Kirkcaldy community and regular readers will know, the Adam Smith Theatre, a cherished local landmark, triumphantly reopened its doors in September 2023 after undergoing a significant refurbishment.

The journey was challenging and the project had to overcome numerous hurdles, not least the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, these obstacles only fuelled OnFife’s determination to reimagine the theatre as a dynamic and inclusive community hub.

Recognising the theatre’s potential as more than a performance space, OnFife took bold steps to deepen its engagement with the local community. They partnered with Nomad RDC, a People-Centred Design and Innovation Studio, in an initiative to transform the Adam Smith Theatre (AST) into a vibrant, welcoming, and relevant space for everyone in Kirkcaldy.

A Vision for Community Connection
OnFife and Nomad RDC embarked on a mission to:

• Engage and support the community: Building bridges with local residents to understand their needs and aspirations.

• Form a vibrant community hub: Creating a central gathering place that fosters a sense of belonging and activity.

• Create a relevant, welcoming, and inclusive place: Ensure the theatre reflects the diverse community it serves.

• Generate a legacy framework: Establishing a lasting model for ongoing community engagement.

A Three-Pronged Approach
The project comprised a multi-faceted strategy:

1. A Distinct Identity: A unique identity was developed for the AST consultation project and expanded to include other local theatre initiatives.

2. Digital Dialogue: Leveraging the power of technology, a dedicated website was launched to facilitate ongoing community engagement.

3. Collaborative Creative Workshops: Interactive workshops brought together stakeholders and community members to explore the potential uses of the AST. These sessions delved into the “how,” “why,” and “when” of the theatre’s evolution, generating innovative ideas and actionable insights.

The Conclusion and Beyond
The project culminated on October 23, when Nomad RDC submitted a final report. This report synthesised the insights and recommendations gathered from the website and creative workshops. It was shared with OnFife and participants, leading to a final review workshop in May.

A copy of the final report is available upon request. Contact events@onfife.com

Review & Recommendations
The workshops and online engagements yielded numerous recommendations, ranked by participants to prioritise their implementation and represent their vision for implementing the feedback in a tangible and impactful way. These recommendations, along with OnFife’s responses detailing how they are currently or are planning to tackle them, formed the centrepiece of the Review Workshop in May 2024.

The feedback and suggestions were enthusiastically received during the Review workshop, affirming the participants’ priorities. No significant changes were needed, confirming the community’s shared vision for the theatre’s future.

Below, explore the slideshow showcasing each recommendation, OnFife’s response, and additional comments. See how your community’s insights will drive real change at the Adam Smith Theatre.

Check the code before the title to see where participants rate each theme. T= Top, M= Middle, B=Bottom

Click ‘Download’ to read the above slideshow in detail.

OnFife Quote
“The Adam Smith Theatre plays an important cultural role at the heart of Kirkcaldy and having the community’s involvement in shaping how it will evolve and grow has been vital in making it a relevant and vibrant space for everyone. This engagement work will be ongoing so we can make sure the Adam Smith continues to meet the needs of the communities we serve both now and in the future.”

– Dan Brown, Head of Creative Development.