Joe Lycett and others condemn 100% budget cut to Birmingham arts

Carlos Acosta also among those warning that ‘horrifying’ culture cuts by council will hit arts ecosystem

Birmingham’s cultural figures from Carlos Acosta and Joe Lycett to Duran Duran and Napalm Death have criticised the 100% cut made by the city council to its arts funding which they say will “devastate” the arts ecosystem in Britain’s second city.

The complete defunding of arts organisations, including Ikon Gallery, Birmingham Royal Ballet and City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, was announced this week as the council plans £300m worth of cuts over the next two years.