Hampshire arts venues threatened by proposed funding cuts

Hampshire Culture Trust has said the closure of multiple museums and arts venues across the county is “inevitable” if funding cuts proposed by Hampshire County Council go ahead.

The council, which is the trust’s largest funder at £2.5m annually, has proposed cutting its funding by almost 50% as part of a recent budget review.

The trust operates museums, art galleries and arts centres that attract 600,000 visitors anually and is responsible for 2.5m museum objects.

A council spokesperson told local press the council is facing an estimated budget shortfall of £132m by April 2025.

“With such major budget constraints, we are having to consider very carefully how we can close this funding gap in future and regrettably, some very tough decisions are now needed on what the authority can and cannot continue to do in future.”

Paul Sapwell, Hampshire Cultural Trust Chief Executive, said the trust has huge sympathy for the council’s position but urged for consideration of whether the reduction is proportionate.

“We want to talk about the size of the reduction, the timescales of which they want to make that reduction, what those consequences would look like, and whether there are opportunities to mitigate that reduction through greater partnership to mutual benefit,” Sapwell added.

“Future venue closures across the county will be inevitable if a cut of this scale is agreed. We believe a better solution can be found and that the trust can have a positive future, although tough decisions will need to be made.

“We believe a solution exists and we want to work with the County Council to find it.”