Dundee City Council has proposed a number of budget cuts for the forthcoming financial year, which look set to have significant repercussions for cultural and community programmes taking place across the city.
Among the proposed measures is withdrawing the £60,000 annual funding for UNESCO City of Design Dundee-a move that could mean loss of staff and also delivery of projects.
The cuts also include cuts to the funding of a number of key cultural organisations, such as Dundee Contemporary Arts (DCA), Dundee Rep Theatre, Dundee Science Centre and Dundee Heritage Trust, which runs both Discovery Point and Verdant Works.
In response to the proposed cuts, the council have opened a Public Consultation to understand the impact the changes may have on residents.
Community members are invited to comment on the value of these programmes and how any reduction in funding might impact on them.
The proposed cuts have brought about a strong community response with an open letter organised by designers Joanne MacFadyen and Louise Forbes attracting over 650 signatures in support of UNESCO City of Design Dundee, including Dundee Culture.
The organisation welcomed the support, which it said underlined the growing recognition of its efforts to promote Dundee's design legacy and foster creative industries.
"The £60,000 directly employs members of our team," said a spokesperson for UNESCO City of Design Dundee. "If this funding is removed, it will have a direct impact on the number of staff we have and the projects we can deliver."
The proposed cuts come at a time when Dundee's cultural sector has gained recognition for its contributions to the city's economy and identity.
A UNESCO City of Design since 2014, Dundee has been celebrated for its innovative approach to creativity and its thriving design community.
The outcome of this Public Consultation will play a vital role in their future and whether these organisations will be able to carry on with their work. Residents are encouraged to give their views before the consultation closes.
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