Recession Encourages Culture Vultures

It's been a boom summer for our museums and galleries. A survey by the Art Fund reports a rise in visitor numbers for two thirds of those surveyed. Seems our cultural icons have reaped the leisure benefits of 'staycationers' spurning the holiday abroad and the nationals offering free admission have earned extra visits from those on a budget. However, one in four of those institutions have seen a cut in public funding and a drop in other income uncomfortably coupled to a rise in running costs (damn utility bills). For many, this means cuts to resources and plans and an increasing reliance on volunteers rather than paid staff. It's unfortunate that the newly enlarged audience for our cultural powerhouses will be treated to fewer exhibition change-overs and scaled back activities. Inevitably, individuals will be looked to to support the institutions in these tough times so let's hope newbie visitors are impressed enough to spare a few quid. (V&A image by Simon Rigglesworth)