THE new chairman of the Artrix Holding Trust has confirmed they are exploring all avenues for a subsidy for the future of the arts centre.

A motion, put forward by Bromsgrove’s Lib Dem group, to increase council tax by 20p per month for Bromsgrove residents generating a subsidy for the Artrix was rejected following a full council meeting,

Leader of the Lib Dem group on Bromsgrove district council, Rob Hunter, said several councillors couldn’t join in the debate as they sit on the holding trust.

He said: “The increase would generate £92,000.

“We know the Artrix is going to need a subsidy and now the motion has been defeated we haven’t just lost it for this year but for the future as it was a long-term solution.

“Where is the money coming from?”

On Thursday, February 23, the Artrix Holding Trust held a private meeting where Cllr Peter Whittaker was selected as the new chairman.

Cllr Whittaker said whilst everyone wants to see the Artrix reopened and the return of the arts to the town, the trust has received information from their advisors that a subsidy is required.

“A subsidy is going to be needed from the council or others as there are plenty of opportunities to get money from other arts funding streams,” said Cllr Whittaker.

“We need to put together a business case to quantify how much money is needed.

“While we are all frustrated with the lack of progress in reopening the Artrix we want to make it as sustainable as possible that’s why we are exploring all other avenues.”

Bromsgrove Arts Alive, an association of arts and culture organisations in the area, have written an open letter to Bromsgrove District Council and The Artrix Holding Trust, calling for progress reports on the future arts provision in the town.