Summary
Cuts in public spending will have a major impact on arts and heritage organisations and some may be forced to close, as reported in 'Funding of the Arts and Heritage’ (HC 464-I).
The Arts Council has already cut its administration budget by over 50% in recent years and is set to achieve a further 50% as the Government makes savings across the board.
The Culture, Media and Sport Committee believes that these cuts will be achievable through improved financial management, however, a number of smaller groups across the sector will certainly have to cut back or potentially close without the support of the Arts Council.
The report notes that over recent years the arts have enjoyed a period of high levels of public investment and criticises the Arts Council in particular for wasting money on some projects. The case of the public gallery in West Bromwich was noted, which the Committee considers a gross waste of public money.
The Committee is sceptical of the Government’s abolition of the UK Film Council; Museums, Libraries and Archives Council; and the Public Lending Right without attempted negotiation with these bodies. It is also unclear as to where the responsibilities of these bodies now lie.
This report suggests that arts and heritage groups become more commercially aware and explore other funding streams.
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