Arts Council England today announced its three-year investment plan, setting out how an extra £75 million a year in Government funding will be spent. For many artists and arts organisations the new money means new opportunities for expansion and growth in their activities. The Arts Council's grant from the Treasury will increase from £335 million in 2003/04 to £410 million in 2005/06.
The Arts Council's investment plan is the result of a radical reform of its budget. For the first time in 50 years, the Council has produced a single plan for the whole country. Each region has been able to target investment to places and initiatives in order to realise their potential for growth.
In the Yorkshire region it means over £5 million a year of new investment for the region's arts organisations by 2005/06. 125 organisations across Yorkshire and the Humber will get more money, with another 13 receiving regular funding for the first time. Over half of these organisations will receive much more than the rate of inflation between now and 2005/06, with the others getting inflation increases.
The plan also includes over £4 million a year in Yorkshire for one-off applications for arts projects, open to a wide range of groups and individuals. This is an increase of over £1 million a year.
Sir Norman Adsetts, Arts Council member and Chair of the Yorkshire Regional Arts Council said:
'This new investment in the arts in Yorkshire will enable many of our arts organisations to really thrive. For communities, towns and cities throughout the region it will mean a significant improvement in the way the arts and creative industries contribute to the lives of those communities.'
The beneficial effects will include new opportunities for young people, for education and participation, greater impact for the arts in regeneration and community renewal, better support in areas with less arts facilities particularly in the Humber area, new support for literature, media arts and dance and a significant boost to culturally diverse arts.
Amongst the organisations benefiting in Yorkshire are:
Yorkshire Sculpture Park, receiving an additional £240,000 (45%) to assist it to fulfil its national and international role as a unique site for contemporary sculpture.
Theatre Royal York receiving an additional £127,000 (31%) in recognition of its remarkable progress over the past two years and to bring it into line with other producing theatres.
Kala Sangam and South Asian Arts UK, two key South Asian arts organisations receiving an extra £100,00 (200%) and £35,000 (230%) respectively to support their further development
Hull Time Based Arts receiving an additional £145,000 (190%) to support its capital development as a nationally important media arts organisation.
The Shed, a nationally recognised promoter of contemporary jazz and world music based in the tiny Village Hall of Brawby, in North Yorkshire receiving an uplift of £6,000 (60%).
Ends
Notes for editors:
For further information please contact Jill Foggin or Sally Brown (Communications Officers) at Arts Council England's Yorkshire Office on 01924 455555 or email jill.foggin@artscouncil.org.uk or sally.brown@artscouncil.org.uk
*Yorkshire Arts joined with the other Regional Arts Boards and the Arts Council of England on 1 April 2002 to create a single arts funding and development organisation called Arts Council England.
*The attached grant allocations represent the first funding round under this new single organisation.
*All allocations have been agreed, and will be made, by Arts Council England's Yorkshire office in Dewsbury.