SERIOUS concerns at the lack of funding for the arts were voiced at the annual meeting of Warrington Arts Council.
Chairman Margaret Tye spoke of “the acute shortage of funding for most artistic needs.”
There was particular concern for the future of the 12-year-old bi-annual Warrington Young Musicians competition which this year proved to be the most successful ever but which is now threatened because of a lack of money.
Secretary Peter Wilson said he was hopeful it would not be the last competition as there had been a few “encouraging noises” which might help raise the £7,000 needed to stage another in 2012.
On a more positive note, the chairman spoke of the success of the Saturday lunchtime recitals at Holy Trinity Church and the Stockton Heath Festival.
Two pictures exhibited at an exhibition at The Studio, in Wilderspool Causeway had been purchased and given to the town.
It was hoped that they, and other pictures purchased over the years by the Arts Council, could be put on show as a single exhibition at Warrington Museum and Art Gallery.
The meeting ended with a 40-minute piano recital by talented brothers Jackie and Geordie Campbell (pictured).
Jackie, aged nine, studies at Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester and Geordie, aged seven, is to start there in September.
