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Council Reconsiders Funding to Avert BAC ClosureDate: 1 February 2007
Wandsworth Borough Council (WBC) has announced a proposal that could potentially save South London’s Fringe powerhouse Battersea Arts Centre (BAC), which was threatened with closure last month after the council said it would stop funding the centre due to government cut-backs (See News, 19 Jan 2007).
Two weeks ago WBC said it would cut the grant to BAC – usually £100,000 – to nothing, and charge the organisation over £270,000 annually in rent and running costs from May 2007.
But following public outcry, this week WBC has said it will offer BAC £85,000 funding in 2007/8 and 2008/9 subject to an agreement being reached between the council and BAC regarding a new lease on the Old Town Hall. However, BAC have warned the council’s new proposal of the £85,000 funding will still result in the centre’s closure if the earlier rent and running cost proposals proceed.
According to WBC, the cut in funding is due to the fact that the government’s 2007 financial allocation for the borough is far lower than inflation, leaving WBC with a deficit of £5 million.
BAC artistic director David Jubb said it is in the council’s interest to keep BAC open: “If the centre closes, what will happen to the 220,000 people that come to BAC every year? They'll seek their cultural fix outside Wandsworth. What will happen to the three and a half thousand school children who benefit from BAC's schools programmes? They'll go without. Where will the £2 million of actual cash (through additional cash grants) that BAC brings to Wandsworth go, including 300k for Wandsworth school? It will leave Wandsworth. What will happen to the future of British theatre without BAC? It will be impoverished.”
BAC, which won the Best Community Contribution Award at Wandsworth Council’s Business Awards 2006, is one of the country’s leading arts organisations and attracts 220,000 visitors each year. The venue launched Jerry Springer - The Opera, and has helped develop the careers of a range of performer and companies, including French & Saunders, Cheek By Jowl, Complicite, Kneehigh Theatre, the League of Gentlemen, Faulty Optic, DV8 and the Right Size.
The council has a committee meeting on 6 February 2007, when the proposals will be discussed further.
- by Caroline Ansdell
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