A charitable organization has labeled the loss of over £65,000 in funding as an additional “severe setback” for the artistic community in Londonderry.
The Greater Shantallow Community Arts organization expressed shock upon learning that The Executive Office (TEO) at Stormont was cutting off its financial support.
The organization runs Studio 2, a communal theater and dance area located in Derry.
Ollie Green, Director of Arts, stated: “The word ‘devastated’ barely captures the effect.”
TEO has been requested for a statement.
The arts organization stated that they would be required to settle with an important staff member as a consequence.
Mr. Green mentioned to ChinPao Radio Foyle’s
North West Today
The program that TEO representatives had consistently commended for the efforts undertaken by his team throughout the years.
“That leaves us even more dumbfounded by this terrible decision,” he said.
There remains uncertainty regarding the funding from the Arts Council as well.
The group said it had not yet received any letter of confirmation regarding its application for funding.
The Arts Council mentioned that they were collaborating with the Department for Communities regarding their budget allocation for the arts in the fiscal years 2025/2026.
People Before Profit councillor Shaun Harkin condemned what he called this “shocking decision” by the Executive Office to slash funding from Studio 2.
He stated, ‘Yet another assault on workers, the arts, and essential community services in Derry and the northwest.’
Earlier this month, a dance troupe based in Derry stated that learning about the complete cut of their funding was quite a “shocking surprise.”
Echo Echo Dance Theatre Company said a funding application for more than £112,000 had been turned down by the Arts Council and it would have to close if the decision was not reversed.
- The Derry Dance Company is shocked by the complete cutoff of their funding.
- The funding reduction is deemed ‘disastrous’ for the dance company.
