Liverpool funding boost

Sixty-seven arts organisations are to benefit from an increased arts budget in the former European Capital of Culture, under plans approved by Liverpool City Council’s Executive Board. A total arts budget of £8.45m over two years is divided across three categories: Cultural Drivers, Cultural Contributors and Grass Root Innovators. The changes come after “a new bidding process which has radically altered the Council’s approach to the arts”, and included an increase of 25% in the number of organisations receiving annual funding. Councillor Warren Bradley, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said he was delighted to be able to consolidate the developments of 2008, adding, “To be able to maintain capital of culture funding levels should leave no one in any doubt of the council’s commitment to fostering a successful ’08 legacy.”