Culture workers demand reversal of Coliseum funding cut during Arts Council Manchester office protest

Equity members were out in force at Arts Council England’s (ACE) Manchester office yesterday (Monday) as they demanded the reversal of devastating funding cuts to arts organisations across the UK, including the iconic Coliseum Theatre in Oldham.

The event was organised by Equity, the performing arts and entertainment trade union, with support from many high-profile names, including Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, writer Ian Kershaw, and actresses Maxine Peake and Julie Hesmondhalgh.

The Chronicle reported last week about Oldham Coliseum Theatre chiefs being forced to 'survey the options available' after an application for more than £1.8million of Arts Council England funding was rejected.

The union delivered a letter to ACE’s Manchester office demanding the reversal of cuts to the Coliseum, while another event was held at ACE’s London office, attended by Equity members who work for the English National Opera, Donmar Warehouse and Hampstead Theatre, which ACE have announced will also be subject to funding cuts.

Mr Burnham said: “Oldham Coliseum Theatre is an important Greater Manchester institution, with a rich history dating back well over 100 years.

"We are working with Oldham Coliseum, Oldham Council and Arts Council England to see how we can get the best possible outcome for the theatre, its staff and communities the Coliseum serves.”

Ms Peake, actress and Equity member, added: “As someone who grew up and now lives in the Greater Manchester area, Arts Council England’s latest funding announcement makes no sense to me.

"Oldham Coliseum is an excellent theatre at the heart of the town’s community, and yet is subject to a 100% funding cut from ACE.

"What’s more, most of the organisations that are set to have all of their ACE funding taken away are located outside London, while pulling funding for organisations in the capital will mean people losing their livelihoods during a cost of living crisis.

"We must not believe this false narrative that pits London against the regions, but fight to ensure the proper funding of the arts across the whole of the UK.”

Ms Hesmondhalgh, actress and Equity member, said: “Oldham Coliseum occupies a special place in the hearts of anyone who has ever worked there or been an audience member.

"It’s a theatre that is truly owned and prized by the people of the town, whose programming has been consistently bold and reflective of the diversity of its community.

"Oldham Coliseum’s work during lockdown was industry-leading and at a time when the national conversation is so focused on levelling up and the importance of art and culture for the regeneration of struggling Northern industrial towns, to take away the lifeline of its NPO status feels outrageously out of step and, frankly, heartbreaking.

"This is a catastrophic moment for the town and its people.”

Equity is the performing arts and entertainment trade union.

It is made up of more than 47,000 performers and creative workers, united in the fight for fair terms and conditions in the workplace.

Equity represents actors, singers, dancers, designers, directors, stage managers, puppeteers, comedians, voice artists, and variety performers.​

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