30 March 2011
The Arts Council today announced it will double the funding for Towner, the contemporary art museum for the South East. Its funding will increase from £176,000 in 2011-12 to £375,000 per annum from 2012 onwards.
The news comes after government cuts to the Arts Council budget of 29.6% over the next four years.
From April 2012 a new national portfolio programme will replace the Arts Council's current funding system.
In light of this, Towner had to reapply for support and, along with all other arts organisations across the country, found out whether funding had been cut, remained the same or increased.
Many well known organisations and arts venues have suffered massive cash cuts or an end to Arts Council financial support altogether.
Senior Head of Tourism & Leisure at Eastbourne Borough Council,Tracey McNulty, said: “Towner is delighted to have been accepted to become one of Arts Council England’s first National Portfolio Organisations, following the invitation to all arts organisations to apply in November 2010.
“We are especially thankful to the Arts Council assessors for awarding Towner additional funding of £199,000 per annum at this time of economic hardship, which more than doubles our current level of Arts Council funding - a decision that reflects the outstanding value that Towner currently offers and our exceptional ability to deliver Arts Council England’s strategy of ‘Great Art for Everyone’.
“This decision recognises Towner’s key role in the national visual arts infrastructure in presenting major exhibitions of contemporary art and inspiring audiences through our award winning programmes of learning and outreach.”
