Dear [Council leader],
I am writing to thank you for the financial support the Council has given to [MyTown/Local] theatre and to ask you to continue that support, even in these hard financial times.
I know that reductions in central Government support are forcingthe Council to make some very difficult spending decisions. Reducing the money the Council spends on theatre and the arts in order to maintain other services may appear to be a good option.
In my view, there are three compelling reasons why this is not the case.
Firstly, the theatre and arts in [My Town/local area] make it a better place to live. I am proud of my town/local area and part of that pride is about our cultural life.
Secondly, our children need to know that we value theatre and the arts as well as more material things. We have a rich culture going back over centuries – for school children, experiencing that culture is part of their growing up into citizens.
Thirdly, a vibrant arts scene is great for the local economy. You have probably heard about the economic impact studies in the North Eastwhich showed that arts spending boosted employment - it has been estimated that for every ten North East arts jobs a further four jobs have been created - and that arts in the North East generated £74.3 million of economic activity in 2010/11.
So not only do theatre and the arts make [My Town/local area] a better place to live and for children to grow up in, they actually make us more prosperous.
It may be tempting for the Council to concentrate on the short-term advantages of diverting spending from theatre to other vital Council responsibilities, but to do so would make us poorer both culturally and financially.
I hope you feel able to keep up the great work your Council has been doing in supporting my local theatre(s).