Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

Four key schemes will receive £36k of funding this year.
I am therefore pleased to see that the new cabinet has not reneged on this scheme and has agreed to continue supporting the Arc Theatre, Wiltshire Music Centre, Wiltshire Youth Arts Partnership and Rural Arts Wiltshire. The £36k is a wise investment, but it's a pity that it wasn't indexed linked as originally planned.

The four schemes met the objectives within the arts development plan of helping young people, rural arts and running participatory projects. The actual funding figures are :- Arc Theatre, Trowbridge - £11,000. Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford on Avon - £13,000. Wiltshire Youth Arts Partnership - £6,500. Rural Arts Wiltshire - £5,500.

Councillor Gordon Cox, who is the current arts portfolio holder, holds the very sensible view that “These four organisations underpin much of West Wiltshire’s arts activity, which is why we have made this three-year commitment to support them. Our funding helps them to access other finance, and it has also provided a level of certainty. There really is something for everyone on offer through these groups, and I urge local people to find out what is available to them.”

I couldn't have said it better myself, and would urge everyone to make maximum use of these facilities.