Birmingham City Council has proposed that its investment in the cultural sector will be cut by 60% in 2024 and 100% in 2025. The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra responded to the announcement, saying it was ‘devastated at what the cuts could mean for Birmingham and the impact that they would have on people’s daily lives across the city.’
In its statement, the CBSO said that it had no ‘plans on stopping’ its work, welcoming audiences and working with communities. The orchestra has received funding from Birmingham City Council for the past 104 years, since its founding in 1920.
‘We will take some time now to reflect on our future plans, but still look forward to announcing a vibrant and exciting new season in May,’ the statement reads. ‘We call for creative solutions towards continued investment in the arts, and commit to collaborating with the council on a clear strategy to secure a bright future for our city.’
This news follows other disruption and funding cuts in the industry, with the Northern Ballet recently announcing that it would be replacing its live orchestra with recorded music in several upcoming touring productions.
The other affected organisations to lose funding include:
- City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
- Birmingham REP Theatre
- Birmingham Royal Ballet
- IKON Gallery
- Birmingham Opera Company
- FABRIC
- Sampad
- Ex Cathedra
- Legacy Centre of Excellence
- B:Music
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Top image: CBSO chief conductor Kazuki Yamada (credit: Marco Borggreve)