ARTS FUNDING CUTS WOULD BE DISASTROUS

1.48.07pm GMT Mon 26th Feb 2007

Commenting on reports today of Arts Council England's fears about possible sharp cuts in funding to theatres, galleries and music venues, Dee Doocey, Chair of the London Assembly Economic Development, Culture, Sport and Tourism Committee, said:

"With the number of people attending the Arts at a ten-year high, it would be disastrous to undermine the success of the industry by cutting its funding. Our theatres, galleries and music venues are a major tourist drawcard, as well as being part of Londoners' daily lives.

"The suggestion that the funding cuts are linked to the spiralling costs of the 2012 Olympics is also a concern. Financing the Games should not come at the cost of other important cultural activities."