Madam,

I am writing in response to an article in the Cambrian News concerning the appointment of a new Aberystwyth Arts Centre director and the centre’s current financial situation.

Here are some facts, which can be easily verified on the arts centre and university accounts online.

Aberystwyth Arts Centre generated an income of £38m over the 10 years to 2013 (when I retired). On average 74 per cent was earned income from the arts programme and its trading activity. The arts industry average is 45 per cent, according to an Arts Council survey.

Out of that £38m, the university’ direct contribution over the period was £2.3m in total, with another £700,000 to cover an agreed five-year deficit reduction programme. A substantial part of the deficit from 2007 onwards was due to the university’s equal pay review which added a significant amount annually to arts centre staffing costs.

The university’s direct contribution represented six percent of the total turnover of the arts centre. The value for money achieved for their relatively modest investment was recognised and valued by previous university administrations until 2011.

The university now owns the new arts centre buildings and extensions for which the arts centre raised £3.3m from external funders and which have provided our community with facilities which many cities would be envious of.

The arts centre’s deficit reduction programme was on target to reach a break even point in 2012-13, having successfully reduced the deficit to £23,000 on a £4.2m turnover in 2011-12, when draconian action in removing senior staff led to a destructive and turbulent period for the centre from which it has still not fully recovered.

Yours etc,

Alan Hewson, director of Aberystwyth Arts Centre 1985-2013.

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