THE biggest arts organisations in Dorset were left relieved after hearing yesterday there would be no more cuts to their Arts Council funding.

But others were left on a low note after they failed to secure grants.

Nationally, the Arts Council has been forced to slash its budget by 15 per cent from 2012 on top of this year’s cuts, leaving many groups with reduced funding and some cut adrift altogether.

However, major groups such as the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and the Poole Arts Trust, which runs the Lighthouse, will both receive no cut to their settlements.

And Dance South West, based at Bournemouth Pavilion, will have its Arts Council funding doubled.

Lighthouse chief executive Elspeth McBain said: “We are pleased the Arts Council has given a clear endorsement of our work.

“Lighthouse will to continue to play an important part in the delivery of the national and regional arts strategy, as well as providing significant economic benefit and profile for Dorset.”

The BSO said it was pleased with the news and “extremely grateful” for the Arts Council’s continued support.

Kate Castle, executive director of Dance South West, said: “This is tremendous news and puts us on the national map as a major resource for dance.”

Walford Mill Education Trust in Wimborne said it was “delighted” at its award, while Activate Performing Arts said its funding would enable it to continue with the popular Inside Out festival.

New Forest venue ArtSway was one of the applicants to miss out.

A statement from ArtSway said it was “devastated” by the news and that it would now be reviewing its options.

In total, theatres, galleries and other arts organisations in Dorset will receive more than £12million in funding over three years from April 2012.

Two groups will receive funding for the first time – Arts and Health South West, which aims to enhance wellbeing through creative arts, and B-Side, which develops new creative talent and commissions artists to animate public spaces.

Phil Gibby, the Arts Council’s regional director, said: “Strenuous efforts have been made to ensure that ambition, artistic adventure and entrepreneurial spirit are kept alive.”