It was a day of sorrow and joy for arts organisations in Sussex after the Arts Council publicly confirmed its funding plans for the next three years.

Four arts organisations in the county have lost regular funding, including Brighton's Komedia venue, which received just under £150,000 last year.

Director Colin Granger said the money accounted for six per cent of Komedia's turnover, allowing it to programme shows that commerciallyrun enterprises could not risk.

He said staff were "extremely disappointed", adding: "The Arts Council has made an ill judged decision."

Zap Art, which received £79,182 last year, has lost its regular grant. The news follows the charity's announcement last year that it could not run the popular Streets of Brighton event in 2008 after Brighton Festival pulled its annual £60,000 contribution.

Founder Dave Reeves said: "It would be simpler to have regular funding but sometimes you've got to accept that change occurs and move on. We will continue to do exciting work of a high standard."

The Lewes Live Literature festival and Falmer-based firm All Ways Learning, which provides arts management training, have also lost out.

Arts Council director Sally Abbott said: "These were tough decision that were not taken lightly.

"We expect the organisations we regularly fund to play a very particular role as strategic leaders for their sector both regionally and nationally.

"This is not a responsibility that suits every organisation, nor is it the only way we can offer support."

Brighton charity Carousel, which helps disabled people achieve their artistic ambitions, was among those celebrating, with an unprecedented 400 per cent increase in funding.

The charity's grant will rocket to £100,000 this year.

General manager Liz Hall said the charity had not decided how to use the money but said it could help to expand on the successes of projects such as the Oska Bright Film Festival, which features the work of people with learning disabilities.

She said: "It's excellent to have that recognition of your work."

Pallant House Gallery in Chichester has seen its grant doubled to £95,000 this year, while the Brighton Dome and Festival, the Fabrica Gallery in Brighton and the De la Warr Pavilion in Bexhill will also receive aboveinflation increases.

Choreographer Hofesh Shechter's dance company and New Writing South, both based in Brighton, will receive grants for the first time.

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