Arts Council England distributes public money from the Government and the National Lottery. Its new initiatives include Sustain, a £40 million open application fund for arts organisations suffering due to the economic problems. There will also be additional support for individual artists and smaller arts organisations through the Arts Council's existing Grants for the arts programme. Its 2009/10 budget will be increased from £52m to £54m, rising again in 2010/11 to £56m.
Stars' Income Down - The wealth of most of Britain's top music millionaires has fallen by at least 10%, according to the Sunday Times annual rich list. Singer Sir Elton John, for example, has seen his wealth drop 26%, from £235m in 2008 to £175m in 2009. Sir Paul McCartney is worth £440m, down from £500m, while pop mogul Simon Fuller has £300m, after losing £150m.
Elsewhere the combined wealth of Cheryl and Ashley Cole sees them rated fourth in a list of young music millionaires. Welsh pop star Duffy has also joined the wealthy young elite, her £4m fortune seeing her rated joint 16th in the rundown. Katie Melua and Amy Winehouse fare less well, however, their respective fortunes down 44% and 50% on last year's estimates. Former record label boss Clive Calder remains top of the Sunday Times main music list, his £1.3bn fortune putting him comfortably ahead of nearest rival Lord Lloyd-Webber. Sir Paul McCartney comes third, with fourth place held by theatrical impresario Sir Cameron Mackintosh, whose estimated wealth of £350m marks a 22% fall on last year's valuation.
Late Penalty - Sir Paul McCartney may have landed the Coachella music festival in trouble with the authorities after his late night performance overran. Sir Paul, who was the headline act at the weekend's Californian event, played for an extra 54 minutes. Under laws put in place by the area's local authority, promoters Goldenvoice are liable for a £1,000 fine for every minute of music played after midnight. The exact penalty is expected to be announced in a few weeks.
(Jim Evans)
