Petition to save queerupnorth from Arts Council cuts

queerupnorth has been successful in its appeal against the proposed cut in its funding by Arts Council England. Arts Council England North West's Regional Council met on 25 January and considered queerupnorth's response to its proposed cut.

In a letter dated 31 January, the Arts Council outlined their position:

‘The Arts Council acknowledged from the outset that queerupnorth had improved over the last 12 months, but [that it] continues to have some concerns around value for money, distinctiveness, and artistic quality. However, it was accepted that overall the Arts Council had underestimated the degree of positive change in the organisation in the last 12 months.

It was agreed to confirm funding for queerupnorth for 2008/09 with £97,275 to allow delivery of the 2008 festival. The Arts Council propose setting agreed success measures with queerupnorth for the 2008 festival around artistic quality, distinctiveness, value for money and governance. Outcomes of the evaluation will be presented to Regional Council at its September meeting and a view taken on funding 2009/2010 and 2010/2011 subject to that evaluation.’

The 2008 festival will go ahead.

Jonathan Best, Artistic Director of queerupnorth comments on the announcement:

“We’re very pleased that the Arts Council has taken on board the points in our appeal and we look forward to a constructive working relationship in the future. There’s lots of good news today, and we are particularly pleased for the four organisations in the North West region that have had a funding uplift.”

“We look forward to reviewing with the Arts Council all of queerupnorth’s work – the 2008 festival, our ambitious touring and commissioning plans for 2009 and beyond, and our unique programme of work with young people across Greater Manchester and the UK.”

“The Arts Council still has a few concerns about queerupnorth – but we’re confident that we can address them fully. We have an exciting programme of work planned, and we’re happy that we can now get on with making it happen.

“We are, however, very disappointed by the funding cut to London’s Drill Hall; this is the only UK producing venue that specifically champions lesbian and gay arts, and it’s of huge importance nationally. This funding review has demonstrated the need for Arts Council England to become much more transparent – without this, its decisions will continue to be tainted by the mistrust that has characterised the last few weeks.

“ Finally, we would not have succeeded in persuading the Arts Council of our case without the thousands of supporters who have signed the petition, written letters, and spoken in support of us over the last few weeks. Your support has been crucial, and we thank every single one of you.”