The estimable chamber music venue on Wigmore Street has told the funding body that it is no longer fit for purpose, accusing Arts Council England of an ‘abandonment of excellence.’
Wigmore Hall’s John Gilhooly has raised £10 million in private donations, enabling him to declare independence without having to take account of all the equalisation and reverse discrimination policies, not to mention the form filling.
Aside from the private gifts, Wigmore Hall also benefits from a £500,000 grant from the AKO Foundation, allowing it to offer £5 tickets to under-35s. The hall is an international centre of excellence. Its rejection of ACE undermined that body’s claim to be an arts supporter.
Wigmore is not alone. Kings Place, also thriving, receives no ACE money.
The major ACE beneficiary is the South Bank Centre, which is closed one day a week and is on the verge of being a national embarrassment.
Well done, Wigmore Hall.
pictured: Gilhooly with King Charles
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