Funding cuts threaten NSDF
The future of the university led National Student Drama Festival (NSDF) is under threat following the withdrawal of crucial funding from the Arts Council England. The Council has discontinued fourteen years of £52,000 worth annual sponsorship to “refocus” their investment, causing outrage among students. York has a history of sending plays to the NSDF, with Stone Cold Dead Serious appearing last year.
The diverted funds will instead be focused on “increasing participation in high quality arts” by subsidising permanent public buildings, such as the West Yorkshire Playhouse, and funding “top-quality” touring companies and theatres with education programmes that “support the changing nature of theatre.”
In response, an online petition was set up to protest the Council’s decision. Although now closed, it attracted more than 3,300 signatures, and was promoted by leading members of the York Drama Soc. Jamie Wilkes, Drama Soc Chair, expressed anxiety at the University’s lack of commitment to funding its societies, in particular those focused on the arts. “Serious respect was paid towards NSDF last year, whilst with normal, run-of-the-mill productions they don’t care. They’re happy to flatten the Barn and put up some accommodation blocks.”
Wilkes also claimed that the University doesn’t recognise the potential of its celebrated societies in attracting students. “The role of drama is important here. I came here because of the drama society. They’re missing out on a great opportunity to sell something and they should recognise that,” he said.
The NSDF has supported student drama for 53 years, and productions go on to receive national attention, which Wilkes describes as “a great opportunity to give student drama the respect it deserves.”
The final decision on the grant withdrawl will be revealed at a board meeting on January 25.
