Indian sculptor Anish Kapoor slams Brit govt’s decision to cut arts funding

LONDON - Indian sculptor Anish Kapoor has expressed his dismay at the British government’s decision to cut millions from the arts budget.

Kapoor, 56, said that the proposed cut seems short-sighted as many of the museums and galleries, especially the ones outside London, would have to close.

Arts Council England said it would have to implement 23 million pounds in cuts after its original 2010/11 budget went down from 468 million pounds to 445 million pounds.

“I have been very fortunate, and I fear that many others will not be so lucky if the government abandons the financial support that is so essential if the arts are to thrive,” the BBC quoted Kapoor as saying.

“I am particularly worried about the effect the proposed cuts are likely to have on museums and galleries, especially those outside London, some of which are likely to have to close.

“It seems short-sighted to me for the government to do such damage to the British cultural sector, which has made such a valuable contribution to the perception of Britain abroad,” he stated. (ANI)