Dear Editor, We were somewhat surprised by the dramatic headline and story in the Birmingham Post (Culture in Crisis, December 15, 2011).

Last Monday’s cabinet decision was seen by the city’s principal arts venues and companies in receipt of grant funding as the best possible outcome given the fiscal situation.

A freeze in funding for the arts is certainly challenging.

However, Birmingham’s arts organisations and council officers have worked very hard to reach a point where the elected members can maintain Birmingham’s support for the arts whilst the sector continues its work to reduce costs and identify new income streams.

We are grateful for the backing which politicians of all parties have given the plan we put forward.

It is true that cuts in arts funding applied during this financial year have had an impact.

It would certainly be the case that any further cuts in 2012-14 would have led to periods of ‘‘dark’’ stages, fewer productions, job losses, increased ticket prices and even the demise of companies.

We made that clear to the council.

Given the decision, we are confident that we can continue to deliver the high quality and diverse programme of artistic activity that has become such a hallmark of Birmingham.