The local organisations impacted by Suffolk County Council’s proposal to cease investment in the cultural sector from April 2025: DanceEast, Eastern Angles Theatre Company, First Light Festival, The New Wolsey Theatre, Primadonna Festival, Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds, and Suffolk Artlink have issued this shared statement: ‘Whilst we will need some time to consider the full impact of these proposals, our immediate concern is how any decision might impact the people of Suffolk.

The proposed cut to these organisations will provide an extremely modest difference to the Council’s overall finances, representing a saving of just 0.057% of the Council’s 23/24 revenue budget. However, the ‘cost’ to our County will be so much more significant. Collectively, our organisations support 24,493 children and young people and 76,516 vulnerable** people through our community engagement work.

We also provide permanent employment for 154 staff, and project or contract employment for a further 499 staff. Suffolk-wide, the culture sector plays an important part in providing employment for local people, with almost 6,985 jobs* being supported by the sector. Our organisations, both collectively and individually, call on Suffolk County Council to consider the merit of a small cost saving, compared to the huge impact this will have on communities across Suffolk who benefit from our work.’

*New Anglia LEP Cultural Evidence report April 2021 Evidence Report

**those over 65, or with disabilities, in receipt of means tested benefits or who are rurally isolated.

Genevieve Christie, CEO First Light Festival CIC writes:

First Light Festival CIC is deeply dismayed and concerned at Suffolk County Council’s announcement that it plans to cut all Arts and Museums funding from April 2025. This short-sighted decision ignores the enormous dividends that are generated by Suffolks’ cultural organisations including from our input through workshops, events and long-term programmes into cultural education including early years provision, literacy enrichment – so vital post covid; health and wellbeing activities including for those with mental health and additional physical needs; community activities that combat social isolation; support for vulnerable young people not in employment or education... This decision also disregards the sector’s vital contribution to Suffolk’s cultural tourism and the long-term economic vitality of the region.

We urge Suffolk County Council to reverse this decision and urge everyone to write to their County Councillor as soon as possible – Suffolk County Council will present its financial plans to its Scrutiny committee on 11th January and there will be a final vote at its Full Council meeting on the 15th February. Use your postcode to find your councillor on the WriteToThem.com website.