The DCA in Dundee has said programmes may face cuts.
A charity-run arts venue in Dundee has said it will have to make cuts to its programming after a funding reduction from the city council.
On Thursday Dundee City Council set its budget for 2025-26, which contained a 9.9% reduction in the grant provided to Dundee Contemporary Arts (DCA) for next year.
The DCA said they were relieved “more significant” cuts proposed were not taken up, and as a result no “need for staffing reductions”.
The announcement comes after the DCA raised in 2023 the possibility of closure after concerns emerged over a funding gap at the site.
Director of the Dundee Contemporary Arts (DCA), Beth Bate, told MSPs at the time the venue - which encompassed a two-screen cinema, art gallery, print studio and restaurant - may be forced to use the last of its financial reserves to remain in operation.
They now face fresh pressures due to local funding cuts.
The charity said in a statement: “We are disappointed to learn of Dundee City Council's decision to cut its grant to DCA by 9.9% in 2025-26.
“While we are relieved that the more significant cuts listed as options in the council's recent budget consultation were not proposed, any cut to our budget has a serious impact, particularly in the context of rising costs and the previous cash and in-kind cuts we have absorbed from the council over the past ten years.
“We are incredibly grateful to the thousands of people who completed the consultation and made clear how deeply culture is valued by the city's residents.
“With this news now confirmed we plan to present a balanced budget in 2025-26, without the need for staffing reductions.
“However we will need to make some changes to our programme in light of this cut, and will be working on the detail and implications of this in the coming days.”
In a statement following the budget, senior councillors in the city said this year’s budget has been “made more difficult by the financial pressures” they face.
Cllr Willie Sawers, depute leader of Dundee City Council, said: “The setting of the budget for 2025/26 has been made more difficult by the financial pressures we face, notably the £7million increase in employers’ National Insurance contributions imposed by the UK Government.
“While it has meant making some really tough decisions, we believe it’s a budget which supports communities across the city.
“We recognise how important council services are to the public. This came through loud and clear in the budget consultation process.
“This budget has struck a balance between finding the savings required of us as a local authority while also investing in the crucial services we provide to the whole of Dundee.
“We will continue to invest in the city’s future and its development – helping to create jobs, support young people through education and deliver on economic growth.
“Through this budget, the Council will invest £500,000 to tackle the Cost of Living Crisis, £160,000 for Economic Development and £300,000 to improve neighbourhoods and environments.
“We want to see Dundee continue to grow and thrive. Our budget will help us to achieve this.”
