Arts projects awarded £500k after council cutbacks

Half a million pounds of funding has been awarded to 33 museums and arts organisations across Suffolk in the hope of generating "new artistic experiences".

Each of the recipients will be given a share of £500,000 from Suffolk County Council's Culture Project Fund, with successful bids ranging from £1,500 to £27,000.

A panel of experts reviewed 131 applications for everything from new baby classes to a new community radio show.

The grants come after the authority previously revealed plans to cut arts funding from this year, which prompted backlash from the likes of Dame Judi Dench.

Philip Faircloth-Mutton, cabinet member for Environment, Communities and Equality at the council said: "We are thrilled to be supporting a diverse range of creative and cultural projects.

"As well as some higher-profile organisations, it's wonderful that lots of smaller projects, which often get overlooked for funding, will also benefit.

"The level of ambition and creativity shown in the applications was truly inspiring, demonstrating the incredible talent and passion that exists within Suffolk.

"This funding will help bring new artistic experiences to local communities, support the growth of our creative industries, and celebrate Suffolk's rich heritage."

Suffolk County Council had previously announced plans to cut core arts funding by 100% after the 2024-25 financial year.

But, after the government pledged a further £600m in funding for local authorities, the council performed a U-turn, pledging a £500,000 "funding pot".

One of the arts venues which will benefit is the Theatre Royal, in Bury St Edmunds, which has been awarded £20,000.

Owen Calvert-Lyons, the theatre's artistic director and CEO, said while it will help cover the cost of its year-round participation programme, it actually represented an £80,000 cut.

"It is worrying what the impact is for Suffolk residents," he told BBC Suffolk.

"If the council is serious about providing great arts and culture then chopping that fund up into very small chunks is just one part of the picture.

"It doesn't really address how you get to sustain theatres, museums or great dance powerhouses in our region.

"Small pots are great but they don't address the need for great cultural infrastructure in our county."

The Food Museum, in Stowmarket, also received £20,000 for its Rural Voices project, which wants to amplify the experiences of isolated and marginalised communities.

Director Jenny Cousins said: "It's always nice to receive funding, but we shouldn't let it mask the reality of a decade of cuts".

Suffolk County Council said the £500,000 fund would be available for organisations to bid for again in autumn.

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