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Art Council of England calls for increased funding for theatre
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The Arts Council of England, in a report entitled 'The Next Stage' called today for a massive increase in the funding for professional theatre in England. This is in stark contrast to the attitude displayed by the Arts Council of Wales towards professional theatre in Wales, which under the rubric of 'funding fewer, better' has been accused of starving theatre in Wales of resources and of failing to actively press the economic as well as cultural arguments for increased funding for the arts in Wales.
The report calls theatre an art form in crisis and points out that venues have a cash deficit of millions, audiences for plays are fading and there are fewer productions and tours. Theatre has been inadequately funded since the mid-Eighties. This has led to a drain on talent and resources, which has produced an environment in which is has been harder for artists and managers to take creative risks.
The report says:" The repertory system of producing theatres that supported post-war English theatre is crumbling and many of those theatres face insolvency. Actors, directors and theatre staff have subsidised the work with their own time and commitment."
Arts Council chairman Gerry Robinson said: "Theatre in this country is still regarded by many as the best in the world. It is celebrated internationally and its influence is seen on the television industry and in Hollywood. But it is in crisis. Many in the theatre community acknowledge the need for change and we are committed to working with them to ensure that theatre has a vital role in the future. However, substantial extra funding is needed to support that change and we are in dialogue with the Government about how that investment can be achieved. The Arts Council is to spend the next two months listening to the views of the theatre sector, entertainment unions and arts bodies to formulate a national policy for theatre in England."
" Research by the Council shows theatre investment has a huge knock-on effect. Pumping in an additional 10% can result in a 20% increase in activity at venues, while a 20% cash boost could yield 60% more activity. The Arts Council now aims to encourage a wider range of work to audiences, with up to 200 newly commissioned productions each year. It is also keen see theatre relevant to young people and a multicultural audience, as well as a greater mix of touring and produced works in each venue."
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Friday, May 19, 2000 |
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