The arts and culture sector in Birmingham is “devastated” at massive cuts that the city council is proposing as it is faced with “extraordinary financial pressures”.
The council effectively declared itself bankrupt in 2023. Now it has to make savings of £300 million, with up to 600 employees facing redundancy.
The council’s proposals would see investment in the cultural sector cut by 60% in 2024 and 100% in 2025. Among the organisations to be affected are Birmingham Rep, Birmingham Royal Ballet and Sampad which promotes South Asian arts and culture. The authority will also end its £350,000 funding to Birmingham International Dance Festival, while the Birmingham Weekender arts festival has also had its funding pulled.
A spokesman for Culture Central, a collective voice for arts and culture in the West Midlands, said, “we’re devastated at what the cuts could mean for Birmingham and the impact they would have on people’s daily lives across the city.
“The arts, culture and heritage industries play a vital role in the economic and social life of our city, enhancing people’s lives, supporting jobs and putting Birmingham on the world stage.
“In the face of ongoing austerity and reduction in public funding, alongside COVID and rising inflation, the arts and culture sector has continued to be resilient. We remain open and continue to welcome audiences, work with communities and support artists in Birmingham, the UK and internationally.
“As members and affiliates of Culture Central, we continue to work together to advocate for the vital work taking place across Birmingham’s cultural sector. We call for creative solutions towards continued investment in the arts and commit to collaborating with the council on a clear strategy to secure a bright future for our city.”
Councillor John Cotton, the city council’s leader, said, “we’re facing a number of financial challenges and I want to apologise unreservedly for both the significant spending reductions and this year's substantial council tax increase. We have no alternative than to face these challenges head on. And we will do whatever is necessary to put the council back on a sound financial footing.
"We must now focus on how we spend what we have in the most effective way and we’re committed to getting the basics right across a whole range of services. That means ensuring our streets are clean, our roads are in good condition and our parks are open and are safe to use."