Council will not recommit to arts spending

NOTTINGHAM City Council says it is unable to recommit to funding arts and culture organisations despite its finances improving - as some continue to face an “existential threat.”

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In the past, the Labour-run authority helped fund five of the city’s key cultural organisations, including the Nottingham Contemporary art gallery and the Playhouse theatre. In 2023/24 the council provided them with a share of £198,000 - down from £232,000 the previous year. Then, in March 2024 - just months after the council's finance director declared the authority effectively bankrupt - all contributions to the cultural sector were cut.

At a meeting of some of the city’s top culture, business, and education leaders - where the council's leadership spoke of its improving financial situation - the question of a recommitment to funding arts and culture was raised.