Millions slashed from West Midlands art budgets

Millions of pounds in funding were slashed from arts projects across the West Midlands today.

The government-funded Arts Council announced 6.9 per cent spending cuts to the majority of arts organisation in 2011/12.

The cuts come after the Arts Council had almost 30 per cent of its budget slashed in the Government's spending review - forcing it to save £457 million over four years.

Big losers in the West Midlands include the Royal Shakespeare Company which will have almost £1.1m cut. This will take its settlement to £14.8m in 2011/12.

The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra will receive a £160,710 reduction taking its settlement to just under £2.2m in 2011/12.

The New Art Gallery in Walsall will have £64,954 cut, taking its 2011/12 settlement to £876,408.

The Black Country Touring theatre group will lose £7,609, taking its 2011/12 settlement to £102,670, while Bilston Craft Gallery will lose £4,585 and receive a settlement of £61,867.