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| British government to give $75,000,000 a year to jazz In what has been hailed as a revolutionary development in arts funding, Prime Minister Tony Blair's government has announced that it is to give $75,000,000 to British jazz musicians during 2005/06. Announcing the grant, Tessa Jowell, Secretary of State for Arts & Culture, also pledged that the grant would rise to $100,000,000 a year “within the next three years.” “This is a genuinely open-door program,” continued Ms Jowell. “Musicians can apply for up $60,000 without needing to complete any sort of formal application process. All they will have to do is turn up at their nearest government office, blow a chorus or two of Epistrophy or Straight No Chaser and the cash will given to them there and then.” Artists asking for more than $60,000 will more stringent application criteria. “Officials will need to see either a library card or a note from their mum,” explained Ms Jowell. “But no-one will have to promise to do any of the usual outreach or education program bullshit. This is about facilitating musicians, period.” Opposition leader Michael Howard denounced the grant as “too little too late” and “blatant electioneering.” Howard pledged that a new Tory government would raise the grant to £150,000,000 a year immediately on coming to power. “We are also looking at providing free mobile phones, Gucci loafers and high grade cannabis to all jazz musicians,” announced Howard. write your comments about the article :: © 2005 Jazz News :: home page |