City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Faces Cuts to Funding 

The city council’s proposals would cut investments in the cultural sector by 60% in 2024 and 100% in 2025

The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) has received funding from the Birmingham City Council for the past 104 years. However, the council’s recent draft budget details significant cuts to investment in the cultural sector.

The proposals include a 21% council tax rise for residents over two years, while assets worth £1.25 billion will be sold to repay a government bailout loan, the BBC News reports. 

More cuts include those to funding for culture projects and local arts development. Support for Black History Month and Birmingham Heritage Week in 2024/25 will be retained for now but will face a 100% cut as of the 2025/26 season.

Additionally, the Birmingham International Dance Festival will lose its £350,000 in funding and grants; other regularly funded arts organizations will face 50% cuts this year and 100% in the next fiscal year.

According to BBC’s Classical Music, other organizations that may lose funding include the Birmingham REP Theatre, Birmingham Royal Ballet, IKON Gallery, Birmingham Opera Company, FABRIC, Sampad, Ex Cathedra, Legacy Centre of Excellence, and B:Music. 

“We are devastated at what the recently announced Birmingham City Council cuts could mean for Birmingham and the impact that they would have on people’s daily lives across the city,” the CBSO wrote on their website. “The arts, culture, and heritage industries play a vital role in the economic and social life of our city; enhancing people’s lives, supporting jobs, and putting Birmingham on the world-stage.

“In the face of ongoing austerity and reduction in public funding, alongside COVID-19 and rising inflation, the arts and culture sector has continued to be resilient,” they added. “We remain open, and continue to welcome audiences, work with communities, and support artists in Birmingham, the UK, and internationally; as the sector responsible for the talent, development, and inspiration pipelines for the UK’s global economic and reputational success, we don’t plan on stopping.

“The cut will of course have lasting impact on the breadth and depth of work that we can deliver for the city, but nonetheless, we are determined to remain an essential part of Birmingham’s cultural landscape.”

While the CBSO is currently reflecting on its future plans, the orchestra is planning to announce its new season in May 2024.