Arrested development: a region losing its arts officers

Photo of a wrapped sculpture
16 Nov 2017

As the infrastructure of local authority arts provision starts to crack under the strain of funding cuts, Christy Romer examines the ripple effect across Norfolk.

How much hope should we put in trusts and foundations?

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02 Nov 2017

With local authority arts funding slumping, are trusts and foundations picking up the bill? Christy Romer assesses a landscape under strain.

Why a council pulled the plug on a £17m arts centre

Photo of exterior of the arts centre
26 Oct 2017

What lessons can be learned from Harrow Arts Centre about the complex and risky business of moving arts services into independent trusts? Christy Romer investigates how a dream turned sour.

Grassroots arts suffering most under local authority cuts

Photo of women dancing covering their faces
18 Oct 2017

A survey of arts workers has revealed the strains funding cuts are putting on the sector and shown that many local authorities are yet to be convinced of the value of arts and culture. 

Local authority arts cuts: Optimism can only take us so far

Photo of jenga
18 Oct 2017

Arts organisations are resourceful, collaborative, entrepreneurial and imaginative, but we must recognise that the long-term decline in public funding will eventually topple a generation. Christy Romer introduces AP’s latest feature series on ‘Local authority arts cuts’.

Pulse report: Local authority arts funding – what should be done?

Photo of spinning wind toys
18 Oct 2017

As budgets tighten, many local authorities feel they have little choice but to cut spending on arts and culture. But how is the sector reacting and what should be done to help mitigate the damage? Frances Richens shares the findings of ArtsProfessional’s latest Pulse survey.

Arts Council joins forces with London authorities to promote culture in the capital

Man painting
13 Oct 2017

The shared commitment to extending access to arts and culture comes as London Mayor Sadiq Khan begins a review into the supply of artist workspace.

An artist in residence for every ward in Glasgow

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15 Sep 2017

At a Culture Summit this week, Councillor David McDonald outlined how the city’s new government would deliver the SNP’s manifesto commitments around arts and culture. 

Theatres and galleries key to ‘24-hour vision for London’

Photo of Tate Modern exterior at night
28 Jul 2017

Mayor Sadiq Khan hopes to make the capital’s nightlife about more than just pubs and clubs.

Can less really be more?

Photo of performance of violinist and woman in masks
13 Jul 2017

As more and more local authorities reduce funding and staffing for the arts, how can we ensure they have the capacity to fulfil their cultural responsibilities? Jane Wilson shares her thoughts.

A modest but vital grant scheme

Photo of people in rowing boat towing a wooden sculpture
13 Jul 2017

Sally Staples explains how East Sussex Arts Partnership has simplified its grant-giving system by match funding successful Grants for the Arts bids.

A radical rescue plan

Photo of young people acting
13 Jul 2017

The Canterbury Heritage Museum has attracted fewer and fewer visitors in recent years, but a rescue plan involving the Marlowe Theatre is set to revitalise it. Janice McGuinness tells the story.

Bidding for funding in partnership

Photo of teacher with children holding up large drawing
13 Jul 2017

When the six counties in the north of Wales suddenly found themselves in competition with one another for funding, they decided to form a regional partnership and work together. Gwenno Eleri Jones tells the story.

Still going it alone

Photo of art installation
13 Jul 2017

Two years after The Arts Development Company was formed to replace Dorset County Council’s arts service, Mike Hoskin gives an update on progress so far. 

A simpler funding system

Photo of two men on stage
13 Jul 2017

Budget cuts have forced Bristol City Council to change the system it uses to fund arts and culture activities. Philip Walker explains its new cultural investment programme.

Young imaginations

Photo of young people round table
11 May 2017

Preston’s Harris Museum and Art Gallery needs ‘re-imagining’ and who better to do it than the young people who will be its visitors in the years to come, says Matthew Wilde.

Hackney to develop Dalston as an ‘arts-led cultural destination’

Arcola Theatre
28 Apr 2017

A consultation by Hackney Council is being seen as an “unprecedented opportunity” to secure the place of arts and culture in the district.

Tax increases threaten future of London’s live music scene

Crowd surfing at a packed gig
11 Apr 2017

A 26% increase in business rates has put 21 of London’s 94 grassroots music venues at risk of closure, according to new research.

Go-ahead for Woolwich creative district

Mock up of concert hall
30 Mar 2017

The local authority has approved an investment of over £30m for a scheme that will place arts activity at the heart of regeneration plans.

Creating coastal communities

Photo of old bus, scooter and mayor on parade
28 Mar 2017

Following the launch of the Cultural Coastal Network, Polly Gifford explains why it’s needed and what it hopes to achieve.

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