Funding of the arts and heritage

Book excerpt: This report acknowledges that cuts in public spending will have a major impact on arts and heritage organisations, and some may well be forced to close. However, the report also notes that over recent years the arts have enjoyed a period of high levels of public investment and criticises the Arts Council in particular for wasting money on some projects. In particular the case of the Public gallery in West Bromwich, which the Committee considers a gross waste of public money by the Arts Council, is highlighted. The Committee realises the impact that cuts in public spending will have however they feel it is right that all sectors share the burden. This report suggests ways in which arts and heritage organisations might improve financial management and explore other funding schemes.