Tricycle theatre disappointed over cuts

THE Tricycle theatre has expressed disappointment over an 11 per cent drop in funding announced today (Wednesday) by the Arts Council.

The cut is spread over three years starting in April 2012 and comes after the Government slashed the Council’s funding by 14.9 per cent.

The news comes as the theatre and cinema in Kilburn High Road, Kilburn, is celebrating it’s 30th birthday this year.

The Tricycle was hopeful of an increase in funding after receiving a positive first assessment only to be told later that additional money was not available.

Nicolas Kent, artistic director at the Tricycle, said: “We are naturally very disappointed [but] we understand that Government cuts forced the Arts Council into making difficult decisions.”

Funding from the Arts Council will drop from �780,000 in 2010 to �725,000 in 2012 rising back up to �760,000 in 2015.

Mr Kent warned the cuts could lead to job losses, a diminished arts sector and higher entrance prices that could exclude sections of the community.

The news comes as the Tricycle’s annual �56,000 London Council’s grant hangs in the balance.

London boroughs decided to significantly cut funding to the scheme with the Tricycle graded as a low priority recipient.

Brent Council’s annual grant, which was �218,000 last year, is also under review.

Cllr Powney Lead Member for Environment, Planning and Culture said: “All council expenditure is currently up for review, however, the Tricycle Theatre has historically been a Brent Council grant recipient for its extensive outreach work and excellence in artist practice.”

Alan Davey, chief executive of Arts Council England, said: “There have been some really hard choices as we had so many good applications – more than we were able to fund.

“After a thorough process, we believe we have achieved a balance of continuity and change, and of local and national. And we’ve enabled artists and arts organisations to continue to create the great art from which so much springs.”