NOTE: This article has been updated since the publication of this story. Please scroll to the bottom for the latest information.
The New Wolsey Theatre is concerned to hear of an apparent strategy by the East Anglian Daily Times to abandon all arts coverage.
The arts form a vital part not only of the Cultural Life of this region but of its economic prosperity as well. At a time of intense economic pressure Suffolk County Council recently protected the Arts from its programme of cuts precisely because it recognised the important contribution the Arts make to the region's economy.
We know from our experience and research that our customers look to the EADT for information and features about the Arts, particularly from the popular Saturday edition of the paper. The removal of all informed cultural commentary, reviews and information can only make the paper a less attractive purchase for the customers of the EADT.
At a time when arts activity in the region is growing in diversity, vitality and ambition, when its economic contribution is being recognised alongside its place in creating an attractive social and cultural environment, it seems a very retrograde step for the EADT to be removing itself from this vital and expanding area of, excitement, commentary and debate.
For the health of the cultural scene within the region, the organisations like ourselves which rely on the coverage and commentary that EADT provide, and the future health of your own publication we urge the EADT to reconsider.
If you would like to write to the East Anglian Daily Times regarding this please send your letter to the details below:
Terry Hunt
Editor
East Anglian Daily Times
Lower Brook Street
Ipswich
IP1 1AN
UPDATE
On 17th January 2012 we received a letter from the East Anglian Daily Times as transcribed below:
"Thank you for your letter regarding future arts coverage in the EADT.
I would like to reassure you that I have absolutely no intention of stopping our arts coverage. I recognise the importance of the arts in Suffolk life, and I am also very aware of the EADT's long and proud tradition of covering, and supporting, all forms of art within the county.
It is a long standing relationship which benefits the various arts organisations and the newspaper, and I can assure you that it will continue.
As you will probably have read, changes are being made within the editorial department at Archant Suffolk, publisher of EADT.
As we are involved in consultations with members of staff, I'm afraid I cannot discuss detailed aspects of the changes.
However, I can assure you that EADT will continue to provide high-quality arts coverage in the future.
When I am able to respond in more detail, I will do so.
Thank you once again for writing to me.
Yours Sincerely,
Terry Hunt, Editor."