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No DCSF Funding for NAYT

For the past nine years the National Association of Youth Theatres (England's equivalent Promote YT) has been funded by the DCSF(Department for Children Schools & Families) for its core programme and activities. On Friday 15th February NAYT received notification that the application for continued funding was unsuccessful.

The DCSF grant makes up one third of NAYT's annual turn over, ACE (Arts Council England) funding makes up just more than a third and the final third is from earned income.

The impact of this on the programme that NAYT currently deliver is huge. It directly affects BYTF (Big Youth Theatre Festival) the annual flagship event for 1000 young people, which, they may no longer be able to deliver and if it does go ahead will have a diluted artistic/participation programme; it could also mean suspending the National Development Programme and the hugely successful Mentoring and Bespoke Training programme that was launched last year.

Organisationally, NAYT is in a prime position to build its capacity, further develop its web based services and support for a growing sector. This may now not be possible.

The biggest impact of course in on the youth theatre sector. This is a sector which is already under resourced and under supported. With the political climate putting children and young people's activities high on the agenda, with a government sway back towards vocational learning and arts and cultural organisations being asked to include and involve young people, this is an incomprehensive decision. Whilst the DCMS are busy making announcements about the Cultural Offer, ensuring that every young person has access to 5 hours of cultural activity per week, the DCSF are busy cutting funding to an organisation strategically placed to ensure the quality delivery of such activities! 

NAYT will be launching an online petition in the next few days, so please keep an eye on the website for details of how to offer your support.

For more information on the funding cut and supporting NAYT visit http://www.nayt.org.uk

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