§ 17. Charlotte AtkinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on the future of regional theatres. [26184]
§ Tessa JowellFunding for theatre remains a matter for the Arts Council of England and the Regional Arts Boards. In March last year, the Arts Council announced a significant increase in funding for theatre in 2002–03 and 2003–04, including a 51 per cent. increase for subsidised theatre throughout the west midlands by the end of the period.
§ 29. Mr. LepperTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans she has to increase support to regional theatres and arts venues in Brighton. [26196]
§ Tessa JowellThis is a matter for the Arts Council of England in collaboration with South East Arts as the regional arts board for Brighton. The Arts Council's theatre review published last year allocated flexible funding of £150,000 to Brighton Production Development with the aim of developing the new city as a hub of theatre activity, benefiting audiences and theatre practitioners 617W throughout the region. Komedia, based in Brighton, will also see its funding increased by £95,000 over the next two years.