Molayem ART Magazine International Art Magazine
In the first of a series of case studies exploring the impact of Arts Council England’s new funding decisions, we consider the view from the Watermill theatre, Welsh National Opera and Paines Plough
Cutting off the work … Tika Mu’tamir and Aarian Mehrabani in The Sleeping Sword at the Watermill theatre. Photograph: Mark Senior
In Newbury, Berkshire, the Watermill theatre is in “deep shock” after the news of a 100% cut to its Arts Council England (ACE) funding. The venue will no longer receive £450,000 (14% of its annual turnover). Paul Hart, its artistic director, said he was especially shocked because the theatre’s National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) application feedback showed it met all the eligibility criteria. ACE has, he said, “failed to give us clear reasoning” for the decision. “It’s another huge blow for us when we’re still recovering from the pandemic.”
