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Today Twitter brought down the Arts Council webserver - it didn't, it was simply a power cut in Manchester. The North West Arts Council said of it's funding across the region.
There will be 85 National portfolio organisations in the region replacing the existing 108 supported through the regularly funded organisations programme
There are 15 organisations in the region that are being offered portfolio funding for the first time, including one organisation that will be supported to build a bridge between artists and arts organisations and children in schools across the whole region
The new portfolio strengthens the region as a place with a rich and rewarding offer for audiences and as a place for artists to develop, produce and show work
We are investing in exciting projects across the region. These include:
- organisations that support emerging and individual artists such as Art Gene in Cumbria, Hope Street Limited in Liverpool, Redeye, the North West’s Photography Network and Manchester Craft and Design Limited
- organisations that work with people in their communities in innovative ways, such as Community Arts North West, Collective Encounters, Brewery Arts Centre and More Music
- organisations that build on the region’s track record in cultural tourism, such as Kendal Arts International and Chester Festivals
- organisations that develop the region as an international artistic gateway, such as Manchester International Festival, Liverpool Biennial and Chinese Arts Centre
From this there is some good news like Hope Street Limited being recognised as a NPO finally after years of hard work in Liverpool, although one colleague did say that they were still unsure what they did. Other good news across the region includes Manchester International Festival, a fantastic festival is going to receive £500k as an NPO (in reality about the same as they have received in previous years but), The Liverpool Biennial of course is a popular choice here as it does such fantastic work in promoting the city internationally. It's great to see Manchester's Photography network Red Eye on the list and Liverpool based Collective Encounters to. But further afield in Lancaster folly has been cut along with Lanternhouse and although it won't be the end of these organisations (hopefull) it will mean that these strategiucally important organisations take a smaller role in the arts in the North West.
The comple list of those organisations who have become a National Portfolio organisation available here (google doc) although it doesn't list those organisations that are being cut or who never applied for NPO status.
Liverpool loses: Bluecoat Display Centre, Urban Strawberry Lunch and Spike Theatre
Singing Glowing Pumpkins, T-Shirts Printing and Electronic Jewellery the chance for a tour around the Liverpool maker space - Who could ask for more. 
Sound City are running some workshop this January on Music and the Media. They have a handful of saces available for digital and creative SMEs to take part in the Developing Digital and Creative Industry Business programme - read on to find out more.
FutureEverything has announced a series of new programme additions, including new commissions, installations, conference speakers, film screenings and live events, as the pioneering digital culture festival celebrates its 20th anniversary and it looks uber cool. 
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