Arts bodies set for funding cuts

ARTS organisations across the West Midlands – including many with national and international profiles – are set to find out what funding cuts to the Arts Council will mean to their own finances.

Many groups including bodies such as the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Birmingham Royal Ballet and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) are all expected to see their funding cut.

It is expected to mean a reduction in performances and possibly job cuts as the various groups look to try and sustain themselves during the difficult period ahead.

Critics have said it will damage the region’s heritage and culture while it could also mean a drop in income from invisible factors such as tourism.

A reduction in funding for the Arts Council of almost a third was announced by the Government during the Comprehensive Spending Review.

Responding to the cuts, Alan Davey, chief executive, Arts Council England said: “This cut will inevitably have a significant impact on the cultural life of the country.

“The Secretary of State has asked us to try to ensure that funding for arts organisations is not cut by more than 15% over the next four years – the tipping point that we identified to the Chancellor some months ago.”

The council meets today to discuss its latest grant settlements and Mr Davey said it would try and minimise the impact of the cuts.