Liberal Democrat MP for Manchester Withington, John Leech, has attacked Arts Council plans to cut funding to crucial local arts companies, institutions and events.
John Leech MP said:
"This is a massive blow to Manchester's arts scene. The Queer Up North festival, for example, is unique to Manchester and is held in high regard. However, because Queer Up North rely heavily on the Arts Council, it is unlikely that the festival will go ahead this year."
Chorlton based theatre company LipService, who have toured throughout Eastern Europe, Pakistan, USA and Germany, and who have frequently received awards for their integrity, are also set to lose out if the proposed funding goes ahead.
"Manchester is a creative city, so funding cuts will hamper the progress many individuals and organisations have worked tirelessly to make," John Leech MP added.
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John Leech MP has tabled Parliamentary Early Day Motions (EDMs) in support of groups in Manchester affected by the proposed cuts:
ARTS COUNCIL FUNDING AND LIPSERVICE THEATRE COMPANY15.01.2008
Leech, John - EDM 707
That this House condemns the decision by the Arts Council to cut funding to LipService Theatre Company; notes with concern that the timing of the decision occurred over the Christmas period, leaving very limited time to appeal; recognises the unique contribution to the Arts made by LipService, described by the Independent newspaper as Britain's favourite literary lunatics; further notes with concern that LipService was given no warning or indication in its Annual Review 2007 that it would have its funding cut; and calls upon the Arts Council to reverse its proposal and reinstate funding to LipService for the coming year.
ARTS COUNCIL FUNDING AND QUEER UP NORTH15.01.2008
Leech, John - EDM 702
That this House condemns plans by the Arts Council to cut funding to Queer Up North; recognises the excellent work that organisation has done, including tackling homophobic bullying through performances of F.I.T. at local schools; notes with concern that funding cuts will lead to the cancellation of the 2008 festival in Manchester and all future touring plans, end its unique programme of work for young people and result in the immediate closure of the organisation; and therefore calls on the Arts Council to overturn its decision.
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