ARTS lovers in Lancashire are still losing out because of an unfair distribution of funding, it was revealed today.

Labour think-tank the Policy Studies Institute has carried out an analysis of arts funding per head of population, which shows that physical access to the arts still depends very much on where you live. And bottom of the list are East Lancashire folk who live in the north of England and away from a major city.

"There are economic reasons why London may deserve a larger slice of the cake," said research author Dominic Moody.

"However, there is no doubt that people in other parts of England are getting a comparatively raw deal."

The findings relate to funding of arts, museums and galleries in seven regions, including the North West, in 1995/96. The total spend per capita in the North West by the Arts Council of England, National Lottery, Local Authorities and sponsors was £19.63 - with £54.57 spent in London.

Funding for museums and galleries in the North West by the Museums and Galleries Commission, National Heritage Fund, Heritage Lottery fund and local authorities was £5.01.

The highest amount per person was in the South East with £7.31 per capita and the lowest the South West with £3.39.

Sara Selwood, editor of the Cultural Trends study, added: "When the Arts Council was created in 1964 it was given the task of decentralising and dispersing arts and culture.

"Today's research shows that the council's promise to increase arts provision in the regions has remained largely unfulfilled.

"This is clearly unfair for people in the regions and for those who enjoy popular culture.

"The government wants to give more autonomy to the regions through devolution but will need to challenge metropolitan domination if we are going to successfully increase participation in the arts."

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