Arts Council windfall for RSC
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.THE ARTS Council last night said it could "within months" give its backing for three major projects - including plans to refurbish the South Bank Centre in London.
It confirmed it was committed in principle to the South Bank scheme, as well as separate proposals for an overhaul of the Royal Shakespeare Company's theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, and for a new music complex in Gateshead.
Phil Murphy, Arts Council director, stressed that the support depended on the projects coming up with "high-quality" proposals offering value to the taxpayer.
Mr Murphy denied reports that the three projects would effectively be shelved by the Arts Council because it had run out of lottery money to allocate before the millennium.
"All three of these projects were identified by the Arts Council's full council last November as exciting projects which could make a real difference to the landscape for the arts," he said "That still remains the case."
Mr Murphy said each of the projects "will need to meet a list of demanding criteria and represent good value for money for the taxpayer and lottery- player".
He stressed that, contrary to reports, the three schemes would not be affected by the council's decision earlier this year to put a pounds 55m ceiling on the amount of lottery proceeds it would pay out for capital projects between now and April 2000. The "big three" schemes had separate budgets earmarked for them.
"Although we do not expect the RSC to come up with plans in the very near future, there could be detailed proposals within months from both the Gateshead Music Centre and the South Bank, and we look forward to receiving them."
The South Bank project could count on a maximum grant of pounds 25m, whereas the Gateshead scheme could receive pounds 40m.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments