As the mighty axe falls heavily on Asian Arts, this week I take a detailed look at the funding cuts announced by the Arts Council. What has shocked me more, is not that they have decided to withdraw £500,000 funding from Watermans and £170K from Tara Arts, but the fact nearly £100 million is being spent on opera, ballet and English theatre and a mere £5.6 million on Asian Arts! And don't forget that this is OUR (taxpayers) money.

If you are tempted to ignore the plight of Watermans and Tara, let me ask you this. Where are the future Asian actors supposed to hone their skills? Nearly every major Asian actor on screen today, budding scriptwriter, newbie director and comic pass through Watermans at some stage in their career. Similarly, I once interviewed Jatinder Varma of Tara Arts and what struck me was his passion for taking theatre to the youth - through workshops and performances - encouraging young British Asians to think of theatre as a serious career. Both organisations act as a "hot house" for Asian talent.

Watermans and Tara Arts (which has been around for 30 years) are examples of expertise in Asian arts. So why are they losing their funding? Your guess is as good theirs it seems.

There is something you can do. You can make your voice heard.

There is no point being an armchair critic, especially when there won't be anything left to criticise. Exercise your democratic right to be heard - I've given you all the links you need in my article, click here. Sign the petitions, pass it along to your family and friends . Let us see how much support we can gather together.

Until next time,
Lopa Patel (Editor - Redhotcurry.com)

Patiala Junction at Watermans, 7 - 10 February 2008
Patiala Junction, is a comedy with Punjabi Songs and Bhangra dances. Set in the princely city of the Punjab, its present resident, Patiala Singh, is one embittered and miserly man, who wishes to live like a King, without spending a penny. read more