Napalm Death, visual artist Pogus Caesar and Peaky Blinders’ Steven Knight also among city’s cultural figures warning over ‘horrifying’ move
Fri 23 Feb 2024 13.38 EST
Birmingham’s cultural figures from Carlos Acosta and Joe Lycett to Duran Duran and Napalm Death have criticised the 100% cut made by the city council to its arts funding which they say will “devastate” the arts ecosystem in Britain’s second city.
The complete defunding of arts organisations, including Ikon Gallery, Birmingham Royal Ballet and City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, was announced this week as the council plans £300m worth of cuts over the next two years.
Lycett compared the lack of central government support for local councils with bank bailouts after the financial crash of 2008, calling the culture cuts “horrifying”.
“The people of this city are strong, resourceful, and wildly creative,” the comedian said. “We have a brilliant and unique art scene; thankfully much of it does not rely on council money. But there is no denying that these cuts are a short-termist national…
