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The news that Derby City Council (DCC) intends to cut Déda’s funding by a total of £75,000 over three years - in addition to the current 30% cut already imposed - is catastrophic for both the organisation and the city of Derby. This equates to a cut of 85% of the current grant over the next three years, with nothing whatsoever in the fourth year.
Déda is a key cultural organisation that contributes to the city economically and socially, and Derby needs thriving places like Déda to simply make it a better place in which to live and work.
Déda survives because of a mixed economy model in which subsidised and commercial activity work side by side, and it relies on the funds provided by DCC.
Arts Council England (ACE) has already pledged their support for the next three years and it is a tragedy that DCC cannot match their belief and confidence in what is a success story for the city.
Déda is crucial to the city not only because it is a unique venue with a national reputation, but it is also a producer that is key to the organisation of a host of city-wide events, including Derby Festé.
Cultural pride and vibrancy are essential qualities of a successful city, even more so in hard economic times.
We have been told by DCC that there will now be a period of consultation ending the second week of December. I would urge the people of Derby to voice their anger and disapproval over this assault on the arts and culture in their city.
How you can help:
Give feedback on the Council's Budget Proposals at http://bit.ly/savederbyarts (under 'Neighbourhoods')
Or visit our JustGiving page at http://www.justgiving.com/deda
Stephen Munn, Director, Déda
Facts about Déda:
• Déda is the only dedicated dance house in the East Midlands
• Déda has the highest earned income to investment ratio of all the dance houses in England
• Déda offers 57 dance classes every week – 23 of which are for Children and Young People
• Déda presents over 80 performances per year excluding external projects
• Déda reaches an annual audience of 75,000 people through its programmes
• Déda has a regional and national profile
Notes for editors:
For more information please contact Steve Woodward, Marketing Manager, Déda, on 01332 372 460, s.woodward@deda.uk.com or Nick Britten, AV News Management on 07896 950699, nick@avnewsmanagement