Around the country,the axe is falling… It’s not only philistine, it’s economic stupidityLast week Penny Holbrook of Birmingham City Council, or declared: “Arts are fundamental not just for the local economy but also for the soul.” At the same time,the council of which she is a member announced a 25% cut in arts funding. Organisations of national importance are affected, including Birmingham Royal Ballet, and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and the city’s renowned Rep Theatre.
This isn’t the first hit the arts possess taken in Britain’s second city. In 2013 the cut was 20%; in 2010,17%. And arts organisations possess responded creatively to the challenges the removal of funding has posed. But how far can they stretch themselves without losing their local identity and core creativity?Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com