Bristol Old Vic to review shows in ‘fourth year of losses’

Arts Council England said it has awarded Bristol Old Vic more than £11.2m in public funding since 2018, and Watershed more than £6m.

For the 2024/25 year, the venue has received £1,250,000 from Arts Council England.

A spokesperson said: “We’re proud to currently support 22 National Portfolio Organisations in the city, including Watershed, Bristol Old Vic, the iconic SS Great Britain, groundbreaking Paraorchestra, and the recently refurbished Bristol Beacon.

“The Arts Council is not in a position to fill funding gaps, but we will work closely with the council to support continued investment, and we have made it clear to our funded organisations who may be experiencing financial challenges that we will be as flexible as we can be in the way they deliver on their funding agreements with us.

“Our focus is to make the case for investment in creative professionals and cultural organisations, and to identify opportunities for the sustained development of our cultural sector.”

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport said a review into Arts Council England funding was paused during the election, but ministers will consider next steps in due course.

A DCMS spokesperson said: “We are committed to ensuring that creativity and culture is for everyone, not just the privileged few.

“The government will consider how we fund arts organisations in this country, including how we can attract funding from different sources and we will also ensure that every child has access to high-quality creative education.”