The City Council of Birmingham, known for its rich cultural landscape, has announced the complete cessation of funding for cultural initiatives and the arts. The new policy will even affect such vital institutions as the contemporary art gallery Ikon, the Birmingham Royal Ballet, and the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.

This decision follows the announcement last autumn of the bankruptcy of the UK’s second-largest city: the municipality’s debt amounts to £1 billion! Over the next two years, the city council plans to cut expenses by £300 million and also increase taxes, but even this offers no guarantees.

The decision to cease funding for culture has become one of the most controversial. This step has sparked outrage and condemnation from prominent figures in the arts, including renowned dancers (Carlos Acosta), artists (Pogus Caesar), and musicians from iconic bands like Duran Duran and Napalm Death. Their collective opinion is that the municipality’s policy will not only dismantle the city’s cultural ecosystem but also deprive future generations of the opportunities and identity that art provides.

Stephen Knight, the creator of the Peaky Blinders series, which revitalised Birmingham’s popularity, commented on the matter: “Hopefully when decisions are being made, people don’t think arts are a luxury because I don’t think they are.” He expressed hope that the city’s creative environment will continue to thrive despite all the challenges. Nevertheless, many cultural figures are pessimistic. Comedian Joe Lycett expressed this sentiment most succinctly: “We have a brilliant and unique art scene; thankfully much of it does not rely on council money. But there is no denying that these cuts are a short-termist national disgrace.”