Maidenhead U-turns on 100% arts funding cut

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) has ditched plans to cut 100% of its arts funding, throwing a lifeline to two local organisations.

Norden Farm Arts Centre and The Old Court, faced with the devastating removal of their council grants, will instead get a 17% funding increase following a campaing supported by local MP and former PM Theresa May.

Five thousand people petitioned the council and, in a recent budget consultation, investment in arts and culture was the most popular suggestion, far outstripping support for affordable hoursing, social care, and cheaper parking.

The remarkable turnaround comes as figures show some English councils, including RBWM, are spending half as much on the arts as a decade ago.

Norden Farm Arts Centre Chief Executive Jane Corry said she "could not be more delighted" with the decision.

"We are so very grateful to our amazing supporters; audiences, volunteers, artists, residents, community groups, politicians and Public Campaign for the Arts, for showing such love and determination to get sustained arts funding returned, and to the Council for showing how much they value the arts."