Arts funding in West Midlands is threatened by crisis
Funding for the arts in the West Midlands is facing a 'crisis' compared with London, it was claimed today.
The Labour Party's deputy leader Harriet Harman has called for a 'survival strategy' for arts and culture outside London.
And the boss of closure-threatened West Bromwich gallery The Public has warned of a 'cultural desert' if action is not taken to secure the future of venues.
Figures obtained through a written parliamentary question show that London benefits significantly more from donations by philanthropists than the West Midlands.
Just 2.7 per cent of philanthropic giving went to the Midlands in 2010/2011 compared with 71 per cent for London.
Labour says it works out as philanthropic giving of £1.83 per head in the Midlands, compared to £59.52 in London.
The figures also show the Arts Council spends £8.22 per head on arts organisations in the West Midlands, compared to £21.33 per head in London.
Miss Harman, who is also shadow secretary of state for culture, media and sport, has hit out at the coalition government and culture secretary Maria Miller for the big gulf in funding between London and other regions.
She said: "Maria Miller is woefully complacent about the plight of arts and culture in the West Midlands. The new figures show that many organisations in the West Midlands are facing an arts emergency when it comes to funding despite strenuous efforts from local councils. Her comments come despite 12 museums being given £157k by the Arts Council to develop new projects. Investment plans will be drawn up with the Association of Independent Museums body to find ways to become more self-sufficient.
Two years ago a bid by the £72 million arts centre The Public in West Bromwich was turned down. The Arts Council had already spent £32m on the site.
It is now set to be closed and handed over to Sandwell College to use as a sixth form centre because it costs Sandwell Council £1.5 million a year to run it.
Boss Linda Saunders said: " People have to start thinking more radically when it comes to funding for the arts. I don't think any of us want to see a cultural desert across the country."
