Devastating decision to cut arts funding

WE are shocked and disappointed to have to bring to your attention that nine key arts organisations in Derbyshire are facing having their annual grant funding cut by Derbyshire County Council, who have announced their recommendation to cut the entire arts budget.

This will result in severe cuts to a wide range of arts activities – activities which support the most disadvantaged in our society – and the jobs that support them, and at least two organisations are facing probable closure, while others stand to lose premises. In the long term, it is likely that further jobs will be lost and organisations will close without this regular support.

These cuts, made in such difficult times, will irreparably damage Derbyshire’s arts and culture sector, and the work that they do to improve health, wellbeing and quality of life across the county, tackling inequalities and boosting the local economy.

Thousands of the most needy or disadvantaged citizens in each area will lose out, pushing them to seek help from over-subscribed statutory services.

Some will not receive the help they need, and many crises which could have been prevented will escalate.

The contribution made by the council into the sector is small – only 0.02% of the total budget – but for this these organisations work with over 140,000 people a year and lever in £23-£27 per £1 invested.

In Derbyshire, the culture sector are poised to expand their reach via Arts Derbyshire’s nationally-recognised work in social prescribing – however this is severely undermined by the cuts to funding.

Nationwide, authorities are moving to embrace the arts and culture sector as a proven catalyst for health and wellbeing and opportunities for collaboration, shared expertise, and national resources are abounding; Derbyshire should not be the area

which is left behind and missing out.

We as a consortium of arts organisations in Derbyshire have appealed this devastating decision with Derbyshire County Council and will hear of the final decision on 7th November 2022.

If you would like more information please contact us via admin@artsderbyshire.org.uk Derbyshire Culture Sector Consortium: Arts Derbyshire Buxton International Festival Fleet Arts High Peak Community Arts Junction Arts Learning Through Arts LEVEL Live & Local Orchestras Live People Express