QUAD Derby

We have been today informed that Derby City Council intends to effectively cease funding QUAD in the year 2014/15. This reduction will be phased over the next two years.

This represents a loss in income over that period of over £600k which the Council expects us to replace by improved commercial trading.

This is extremely bad news not only for QUAD but also the city. This cut directly affects local businesses and will make the city less attractive to investors.

We are a success.  Ongoing investment in QUAD from Derby City Council is crucial in maintaining this success and driving forward Derby as a city worth investing in. In three years QUAD has transformed the arts and cultural offering of Derby. We have generated millions of pounds worth of international profile for the city that has helped attract new investment into the city.

Whilst we recognise the tremendous financial pressures the City Council is facing it is worth bearing in mind that in 2010/11 QUAD:

• Attracted 373 409 visitors to our building and programme
• Spent £377k with local suppliers (more than DCC invested in QUAD)
• Was worth £6.64 million to the local economy.
• Leveraged DCC funding by £6.63 for every £1 invested

This is not an inevitable decision. It is notable that our other key funder Arts Council England (under just as much financial strain) has recognised QUAD as one of the country's most important arts and media centres and actually increased their investment. In the light of this ringing endorsement, it is difficult to understand Derby City Council's apparent lack of interest in sustaining a lively arts and cultural scene.

This sudden decision to withdraw funding is bewildering. We had already accepted that DCC funding would be cut by 30% and have put in place plans to deal with this. The announcement of this reduction comes as an unexpected hammer blow and directly puts in jeopardy activities such as Derby Festé and the FORMAT international photography festival, the UK's largest photography festival.

We will take some time now to look at all activities and to discuss the situation with our other partners including Arts Council England before releasing any further statements.

Keith Jeffrey, QUAD CEO

If you disagree with any decisions in the budget proposals you can register any comments here, the section related to arts is 'Neighbourhoods'