ASIAN ARTS TO SUFFER FROM FUNDING WITHDRAWAL
(4 January 2008)

Watermans, a beacon of Asian Arts in West London, is set to loose its £500,000 Arts Council funding, an impact that will be felt predominantly by South Asian theatre groups, artists and local citizens. Over 100,000 local people use Watermans every year; including local schools, Brunel University, Thames Valley University, West Thames College and London Metropolitan University who are current partners in the centre's ground breaking New Media programme.

The reasons given by the Arts Council for the withdrawal of funding include a conviction that Hounslow Council is not committed to the centre, the slowness in relocating to new premises, lower than expected audience and programme figures and failure by the centre to attract additional funding.

Watermans contests all of these reasons, stating:

"Hounslow Council’s support for Watermans has been unwavering

i. they continue to give us their 100% support

ii. the redevelopment of Brentford Town Centre and the associated relocation is a complicated process involving many partners that takes time. There is more momentum behind this project than ever.

B. Our audiences and programme have been growing hugely.

i. Over the last 4 years Cinema audiences have grown over 50%

ii. Over the last 3 years Theatre audiences have grown over 50%

iii. Over the last 2 years the number of Exhibitions has increased over 50%.

C. No objectives for attracting external funding were set by the Arts Council. However we have comfortably exceeded our own target of £50,000 by the end of 2007/8, with projects from Sport England, Baring Foundation, London Councils, European Union and the UK Film Council. In value these represent in excess of £90,000.

The Arts centre is currently reviewing appeal under the legal system and has launched a 'Support Watermans 100%' appeal campaign.