Bosses at Ipswich's New Wolsey Theatre have warned that plans to cut county council support could badly hit its work in the community.
The county has supported the theatre for more than four decades – and this funding is particularly important for its work with young people and communities most in need.
But that is set to come to an end by April 2025 after Suffolk County Council announced it planned to end ongoing support to arts and museums.
The New Wolsey said that despite its own work and the continued support from Arts Council England and Ipswich Borough Council, the proposed cuts could force the theatre into making difficult decisions about the extent of its ongoing services.
The theatre's chief executive and artistic director, Douglas Rintoul, said: "These proposals come at a very difficult time for cultural organisations still recovering from the impact of the pandemic and grappling with the added strain of the cost-of-living crisis."
The New Wolsey has joined other arts groups from across the county to express concern about the proposed cuts.
Mr Rintoul said he understood the pressures facing the county, but the theatre engages with more than 150 young people weekly from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities and neurodivergent backgrounds.
It provides essential support for more than 17 community groups across the year and will perform in nearly 40 Suffolk schools this spring.
It gives free or low-cost access to more than 5,000 people most at need through community events, live streaming and community ticketing initiatives.
The cut in investment represents 80% of the subsidy the theatre currently commits to its engagement programme and because of the current economic crisis, the needs of its communities are greater than ever.
Mr Rintoul added: "The reduction in investment of our engagement initiatives will not only be felt by us but will ultimately cost local government more in the long run.
"The cultural sector stands at the heart of Ipswich and Suffolk, shaping the region's identity. These proposed cuts could jeopardise the artistic and creative vibrancy of the area and threaten economic growth.”
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