Queer Up North is saved!
Published: 01/02/08
After being threatened with a funding withdrawal by the Arts Council, Queer Up North have been informed today that their appeal against this decision has been successful.
In a letter dated 31 January, the Arts Council outlined their position: "The Arts Council acknowledged from the outset that Queer Up North had improved over the last 12 months, but [the Arts Council] continues to have some concerns around value for money, distinctiveness, and artistic quality. However, it was accepted that overall the Arts Council had underestimated the degree of positive change in the organisation in the last 12 months. "It was agreed to confirm funding for Queer Up North for 2008/09 with £97,275 to allow delivery of the 2008 festival. The Arts Council propose setting agreed success measures with Queer Up North for the 2008 festival around artistic quality, distinctiveness, value for money and governance. Outcomes of the evaluation will be presented to Regional Council at its September meeting and a view taken on funding 2009/2010 and 2010/2011 subject to that evaluation."
Queer Up North 2008 will open on Friday May 9th and the full programme will be announced soon.
Jonathan Best, Artistic Director of Queer Up North said this afternoon, “We’re very pleased that the Arts Council has taken on board the points in our appeal and we look forward to a constructive working relationship in the future. There’s lots of good news today, and we're particularly pleased for the four organisations in the North West region that have had a funding uplift. "We look forward to reviewing with the Arts Council all of Queer Up North’s work – the 2008 festival, our ambitious touring and commissioning plans for 2009 and beyond, and our unique programme of work with young people across Greater Manchester and the UK. The Arts Council still has a few concerns about queerupnorth – but we’re confident that we can address them fully. We have an exciting programme of work planned, and we’re happy that we can now get on with making it happen."
Jonathan continued, “We are, however, very disappointed by the funding cut to London’s Drill Hall; this is the only UK producing venue that specifically champions lesbian and gay arts, and it’s of huge importance nationally. This funding review has demonstrated the need for Arts Council England to become much more transparent – without this, its decisions will continue to be tainted by the mistrust that has characterised the last few weeks."
Jonathan also took time to acknowledge the tremendous support Queer Up North had received from the public. “We would not have succeeded in persuading the Arts Council of our case without the thousands of supporters who have signed the petition, written letters, and spoken in support of us over the last few weeks. Your support has been crucial, and we thank every single one of you.”
Everyone at The Lesbian and Gay Foundation would like to pass on their congratulations to all at Queer Up North, and to everyone who supported the campaign to save the festival.
