A perspective (on Arts Council funding) from the other side of the pond: Merry Old England? Not So For Some In The Arts (on the NPR blog for classical music, "Deceptive Cadence").

"While politicians here bicker over budget cuts (including some that affect public radio and television) hundreds of British arts organizations felt the belt tighten significantly Wednesday.

"The Arts Council of England, a government-funded agency, must chop 15 percent of the amount it doles out to music, theater, art and dance companies by 2015. Rather than lopping off an even 15 percent from every organization — which the council called 'salami slicing' — they instead cut funding completely to some 200 groups (including the Northumberland Theatre Company), reduced others (English National Ballet) and actually supplied increases to still others (English Touring Opera).


"These 'strategic choices' decreased the number of organizations the council funds from roughly 850 to 695. Still, the cuts leave the council with nearly $1.6 billion to give to arts groups. That seems big for a UK population of 62 million. Maybe it's not a fair comparison, but just so you know: Congress gave the National Endowment for the Arts $167 million last year for our country of 307 million."

(more at the link)

~ Becky in Long Beach