News

Deadline arrives for consultation on planned 50% HE funding cut for Arts subjects

Arts industry figures have rallied in collective horror at a government proposal to cut funding for Higher Education arts subjects including Drama by 50% for the 2021-22 academic year, with an indication that the government may ‘potentially seek further reductions in future years’.
Education secretary Gavin Williamson plans to 'reprioritise funding'
Education secretary Gavin Williamson plans to 'reprioritise funding' - Kuhlmann/ MSC

Today is the deadline for an Office for Students consultation on the proposals, which were outlined in a letter from education secretary Gavin Williamson in January.

In the letter, which can be read in full here, the MP instructs the OFS to ‘reprioritise funding towards the provision of high-cost, high-value subjects that support the NHS and wider healthcare policy, high-cost STEM subjects and/or specific labour market needs’, reducing funding for those subjects which ‘do not support these priorities’ by 50% for the coming academic year.

Professional association for Drama teachers, National Drama, has responded to the proposals, writing that they are ‘appalled by and extremely critical of the government’s latest proposal to halve funding to drama, music and creative academic subjects at higher education level.’

Register now to continue reading

Register to the Drama & Theatre website today and gain access to all the latest news and developments from the world of drama education.

By registering you will receive:

  • Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month

  • Unlimited access to news and opinion on our website

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here