By Tessa Nolan
Despite facing financial challenges and uncertainties in the current climate for classical music in the UK, Wigmore Hall, a renowned classical music venue in London, has announced the launch of a £10 million fund in a bid to become self-sufficient without relying on government funding. This move is seen as a significant step, with Wigmore Hall being the first major concert venue to take such a proactive approach in response to the “uncertain public environment for classical music in Britain”.
The venue currently receives an annual grant of £344,206 from the Arts Council England (ACE), but John Gilhooly, the Artistic and Executive Director of Wigmore Hall, stated that the venue already “97% self-funds itself”. He further revealed that £7 million has already been pledged for the new fund, named the Director’s Fund, and that Wigmore Hall aims to raise £10 million by 2027 and £20 million within the decade.
Orchestras and classical music venues have been hit hard by a combination of rising living costs, the aftershocks of the pandemic, and sharp cuts in arts funding. Just last month, the Birmingham City Council withdrew its entire cultural budget, resulting in a loss of £630,000 for the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO). A month prior, the Suffolk County Council also announced that it would no longer fund arts organizations in the region, with Nottingham expected to follow suit.
Other organizations, such as the Cheltenham Music Festival and the new music ensemble Psappha, have had to adapt or shut down due to ACE funding withdrawals, while the English National Opera initially lost its £12.8 million grant and was told it would need to leave its London base to access further funding. The BBC’s budget cuts, meanwhile, led to criticism of the BBC Singers until public outcry forced the corporation to reverse its decision.
In light of these challenges, Wigmore Hall’s proactive stance in establishing the Director’s Fund reflects a commitment to ensuring its sustainability and resilience in the face of uncertain funding landscapes. The fund will not only support the venue in maintaining its operations but also enable it to continue offering high-quality classical music performances and educational programs for years to come.
In a statement regarding the fund launch, John Gilhooly emphasized the importance of securing Wigmore Hall’s future independence, stating that “it is imperative for us to take control of our destiny and ensure that we remain a vibrant and vital hub for classical music in the UK”. The Director’s Fund represents a bold and innovative approach to securing the long-term viability of one of London’s most prestigious classical music venues, setting a precedent for others in the industry to follow suit in safeguarding their futures amidst challenging times.