Tara Arts attacks ACE over ‘kick in the teeth’ cuts

Published Friday 1 February 2008 at 16:00 by Miranda Bryant

Tara Arts has hit out at Arts Council England’s decision to halve its funding, labelling it “a kick in the teeth” for black or Asian classical theatre companies.

The organisation was told in December that it may face a cut, but decided to appeal.

However, today it was announced that its appeal was rejected and that the company was one of 27 arts organisations to have its subsidy reduced.

Artistic director Jatinder Verma said that the decision reflects ACE’s lack of commitment to diversity.

She added, “ACE has clearly signalled it is no longer willing to support the company beyond its educational and small-scale work. By extension, it is also a kick in the teeth for any black or Asian company which chooses to focus its work on the classics. Shakespeare, as far as the Arts Council in concerned, is not for black or Asian-led companies.”

Verma also said the decision made a mockery of ACE’s commitment to “celebrating diversity”.

A spokesman for ACE said Tara’s contribution to Asian theatre was “never in doubt” but claimed there were concerns about the “quality of Tara’s touring work on the middle-scale”.

He added: “We considered Tara’s response, but stand by our original proposal as fair and appropriate. We remain committed to Tara Arts and will continue to support the organisation’s small scale, education and studio work with an annual contribution of £170,000 rising to £179,304 by 2010/11. We now hope that the organisation will refocus and concentrate on the areas of work in which it clearly excels.”