Black Swan Arts statement regarding cuts to Arts funding
Somerset and Mendip Councils are two of only three councils in the UK to have cut Arts funding completely. The consequences for Arts organisations in Frome are severe. As reported this week, these cuts play poorly with national funders such as the Arts Council who have used them as a reason to deny funding to the Merlin theatre.
While the substantial donations to our 25th anniversary appeal demonstrate the strong local support for Black Swan Arts, Trustees have so far been unsuccessful in finding a replacement for core funding for future years. Therefore I have had the unfortunate task of issuing a number of redundancy notices this week. This is especially upsetting after a year where our staff have put so much into re-invigorating Black Swan Arts.
We are closing the shop and the office. We expect a new shop to open shortly. The gallery, Divas Café and the studio shops remain open as usual, and the Round Tower is available to the community to rent for meetings, performances and workshops.
This action has been necessary to keep Black Swan Arts financially viable and preserve it for the coming years. The funds we are raising through the 25th anniversary appeal will be used to keep the gallery open and to continue programming inspirational exhibits.
I hope you will join me in acknowledging the hard working staff we have sadly had to let go, and may I ask for your continuing support. Black Swan Arts, the Merlin theatre and other arts organisations in Mendip need your active support more than ever.
You can donate to our 25th anniversary appeal here: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/charities/blackswan
Comments
dismayed
I am really dismayed by the shortsightedness of both Mendip and Somerset councils. In previous assessments of what makes a town attractive and vibrant Art and Culture are both very high on the list. Frome is known for it's artistic appeal to both residents and visitors. So what next? The current headlines are about the Merlin Theatre fighting to survive and not receiving national grant funding because there is no support from Mendip or Somerset councils to show financial stability. This possibly holds true for the Black Swan Arts and the Cheese and Grain as well. Outreach programmes for the young, elderly and vulnerable offered by these organisations are being severly curtailed because the funding cuts affect core resources. When you cut to the bone you cannot possibly do everything with nothing. The council strategic documents state that in general for every £1 they offer in grant aid the return to the community is worth £25. It seems to me that it is very good value for money but instead lets make it someone else's problem, no outreach? more vandalism=more cost to local police, more stress and depression=more cost to NHS etc. The solution? the Big Society - so lets ask individuals to volunteer. Have you tried? do you have public liability? do you have employees liabilty if you organise volunteers? do you have the right licenses and permissions? have you paid the fees? have you done risk analysis? have you complied with all health and safety regulations? are you CRB checked? are you properly trained to serve teas etc, etc....
Ever hopeful of Frome
I've just received the ifF
I've just received the ifF flyer!!