Cuts to core funding at Kendal's Brewery Arts Centre could jeopardise other grants leading to job cuts or programme trimming next year.

Brewery Arts Centre director Sam Mason said he was "disappointed" South Lakeland District Council had cut its annual grant by £15,000 from £60,000 two years ago to £45,000.

SLDC claims it does not have the money to reinstate the grant this year to previous levels following a massive cost-cutting exercise at the authority.

Mr Mason said if necessary the budget could run at a loss for a year, but beyond that the only options would be services or staff.

"£15,000 is a member of staff or about 15 theatre shows. I am hoping they (SLDC) will find other ways of supporting us," he said.

He added that the arts centre would now struggle to convince key funders, such as the Arts Council, to bridge the gap for a second year running.

"When SLDC cut our grant last year we understood it was an especially difficult year due to foot-and-mouth. The Arts Council awarded us an additional £15,000 but it was a one-off payment."

The Brewery generates around 80 per cent of its own income. Revenue is topped up with grants from Cumbria County Council, £25,000; Kendal Town Council, £6,500; and SLDC, £45,000. The Arts Council pays around £125,000 per year.

Mr Mason said: "In many other arts organisations there is parity between local authority funding and Arts Council money. That is not the case here and it makes it very difficult for us to persuade the Arts Council to increase our grant."

But SLDC leaders argue their cut must be seen in the context of moves to achieve long-term financial stability at the authority.

Last year, SLDC carried out a fundamental review of services a root and branch assessment of departmental spending and service costs.

Coun Kevin Lancaster said there was no short-term possibility of the grant being reinstated because the overall grants budget had been slimmed down.

He said it was important that the authority stuck to "tough decisions" made last year for the sake of the tax-payer.

"It is sad for the Brewery and other organisations such as the CAB which had a similar reduction in funding but Council Tax payers will see the benefits of South Lakeland being a strong authority that behaves responsibly."

He added: "No one disputes the importance of the Brewery Arts Centre. It is not because we do not like them. It is because we do not have any money to give. I think sometimes they miss that distinction."

Mr Mason said the arts centre - which boasts a cinema, theatre, restaurant and bar as well as performance space - was providing key cultural, arts and education programs to the whole of South Lakeland which would cost the council infinitely more to provide directly.

April 11, 2003 10:31