KEVIN SPACEY - 17 ART BODIES AVOID FUND CUT

The Arts Council has granted a reprieve from funding cuts to 17 art bodies in its review of grants awarded to art organisations around the country.

The body, which provides government and national lottery money to fund music, visual arts, theatre, dance, literature and other performing arts, has previously warned that it would stop acting like a "cash machine" and would withdraw funding from under-performing institutions.

Over 180 bodies have lost all their funding under the review which could result in the closure of companies and performance houses. However, certain institutions such as the National Student Drama Festival and the Bush Theatre have been spared.

The move follows protests from celebrities such as Kevin Spacey, Dame Judi Dench and Sir Ian McKellen against the decision to cut grants towards under-performing bodies.

Arts Council chairman Sir Christopher Frayling has denied that celebrity protests had any influence on the decision to spare certain bodies from funding cuts.

Speaking to reporters, Mr Frayling said: "This review is not a U-turn, ladies and gentleman, not a climb-down. It has nothing to do with the decibel level."

The money not being disbursed to over 180 art houses will be reallocated to other institutions which the Arts Council considers to be promoting performing arts more effectively.