Musicians in Residence scheme to end

Subject: Musicians in Residence scheme to end
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 08 Jan 08 - 03:06 PM

an email today says'
ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND - REGULAR ARTS FUNDING 2008/9 TO 2010/11
You are probably already aware that Arts Council England has made draft recommendations for regularly funded organisations for 2008 - 11 in the light of the recent settlement it has received from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. A number of organisations which have been regularly funded in the past have had their allocation reduced or cut.

I am sorry to have to tell you, as a past beneficiary of the Musicians in Residence scheme, that it has been decided not to renew funding to the scheme.

The reasons given indicate that Musicians in Residence is not viewed as a key priority with significant strategic value or potential for the region.

I have discussed this notification with our lead officer at the Arts Council, and I do not think that it is likely that any appeal would be successful. This is partly because, whilst the Arts Council recognises that Musicians in Residence has played a useful role in supporting regional musicians and promoters, particularly through the efficient disbursement of small grants, the number of beneficiaries has been steadily declining over past years and this is indicated in the reduced take up of subsidy by promoters. It is therefore felt that there may be other, more effective vehicles to provide this support and I have the Arts Council's assurance that they will be willing to explore these.

MUSICIANS IN RESIDENCE SUBSIDIES, 2007/8 AND 2008/9

I can confirm that the necessary funds to meet subsidy allocations made for 2007/8 are guaranteed, and you should claim as normal for any subsidy for which you have received confirmation.

Regarding 2008/9, we will be accepting applications up to the 14 January 2008 deadline only. Applications must be for promotions taking place before the end of March 2009 and the usual guidelines apply. The funds available are limited, and we will seek to award subsidy in order to recognise promoters' risk and support for musicians, as well as a broad audience reach.

After the 14 January deadline, the APPLICATIONS function of the website will cease. However, outstanding CLAIMS FOR SUBSIDY will still be accepted via the website until the end of March 2009. We will also maintain the current list of musicians online, as a useful reference tool for promoters, until the end of March 2009. Thereafter, once all subsidies are claimed and paid, the website will be closed.

A useful scheme especially for smaller folk clubs like ours, where door receipts do not always cover the fee.

The folk tradition hung out to dry yet again.

Subject: RE: Musicians in Residence scheme to end
From: GUEST,PMB
Date: 09 Jan 08 - 03:59 AM

Another victime of the 2.5 billion pound Olympics. I bet they end up costing 10 times that. Vanity of vanities...