Plans for a dedicated home for Black theatre are in jeopardy now that Arts Council England (ACE) has withdrawn its funding offer for the project. The theatre venue, planned by Talawa Theatre Company, was to have been part of a redevelopment of the old Westminster Theatre in central London. Questioned about the decision to withdraw the capital funding, a spokesperson for ACE described the decision as regrettable but unavoidable. Citing concerns about Talawa?s long-term artistic and business stability, he said the decision had been taken not to ?gamble £4m of public money on a project that didn?t look sustainable?.
The decision throws Talawa?s future as one of Britain?s leading Black theatre organisations into doubt, with a review now being undertaken into the company?s revenue status. The company, established in 1984, has lost seven core members of staff in recent months, including the company?s Artistic Director. In a statement, Talawa said it was ?disappointed and dismayed that ACE has decided to frustrate our communities? vision of a home for Black theatre in the UK and is united in fighting for the rights of artists and theatre-goers to have a long-awaited home for the unique and valid artistic expression of Black theatre in the UK.? ACE has ring-fenced the £4m for Black theatre and plans to consult practitioners as to how this should now be spent.
Published: 01-08-2005