Plans for 50% funding cut to arts subjects at universities ‘catastrophic’ | Arts Plans for 50% funding cut to arts subjects at universities ‘catastrophic’ | Arts
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Artists and musicians have accused the government of neglecting the country’s “cultural national health” by pursuing a “catastrophic” 50% funding cut to arts subjects at universities, which could come into effect from this autumn.
A consultation by the Office for Students (OfS) and education secretary Gavin Williamson suggested halving the amount spent on “high cost” higher education arts subjects – including music, dance, drama, performing arts and archaeology – which it said were not “strategic priorities”.
Jarvis Cocker, singer and former Pulp frontman, said the plans were “astounding” and would put off those from lower socio-economic backgrounds and leave arts subjects as the preserve of wealthy domestic and foreign students.
Artists express concerns and the Public Campaign for the Arts launches a petition as the consultation on the planned budget cuts to higher education ends today
Reverse the Cut: Anvil Arts to ramp up campaign with projections beamed at its venues ANVIL Arts is set to ramp up its campaign against Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s decision to cut funding by beaming large projections this evening (Friday). The windows of The Anvil and The Haymarket will both be used to project the campaign slogan #ReverseTheCut. The council had earlier agreed to Anvil Arts will film the projections and share them live on their Facebook page, encouraging people to watch them from home and avoiding any crowds gathering outside. Alongside the projections, the organisation has also released an ‘Impact Report’, which sets out the compelling reasons for protecting and supporting arts and entertainment in Basingstoke and reversing the cut.