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Closure threat to Battersea fringe theatre
By Tom Teodorczuk, Evening Standard 23.01.07
"Scapegoat": Battersea Arts Centre has been open for 25 years and launched the careers of Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders
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Battersea Arts Centre faces closure because of a cut in funding.
Wandsworth council, which supports the leading fringe theatre, plans to withdraw its annual grant of £370,000, citing cuts in its own funding from the Government.
The venue, which launched the careers of Paul Merton and Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders, also receives £493,000 a year from the Arts Council.
Wandsworth says it is a regional resource, not borough-specific, and should therefore be wholly funded by the Arts Council.
The borough, whose grant pays for rent and maintenance as well as providing £100,000 in cash, has already announced plans to close Wandsworth Museum.
Supporters of the centre say it is being made the scapegoat for a £5 million gap in the Tory-controlled council's budget, caused by the Government's lower-than expected funding package.
The venue, celebrating its 25th anniversary, attracts 220,000 visitors a year.
Battersea Labour MP Martin Linton accused the council of "killing" the centre. He said: "If they withdraw all their support, the centre will close."
Sarah Weir, executive director of Arts Council London, said: "We are shocked and dismayed by Wandsworth's decision. We will be working closely with BAC and the council to reach an agreement that will secure a future."
