Arts funding helping to weather the economic storm

The Local Government Chronicle reports that Birmingham pledges to protect arts after Birmingham City Council approved an increase in funding to grant-supported arts organisations by 2%, in line with inflation, to £9.5m next year.

In addition, some organisations will have their funding for 2010-11 confirmed.
The funding means that organisations such as the city's Royal Ballet and symphony orchestra will remain on a secure footing.

http://www.lgcplus.com/News/2009/03/birmingham_pledges_to_protect_arts_with_a_2_increase_in_funding.html

The investment is a welcome move to support the cultural sector in Greater Birmingham with jobs in the cultural sector accounting for over 10% of employment in the West Midlands.