I am writing to express my concern at the article Begging Bowl is held out by Dome (The Argus, July 8), and the misleading impressions it creates about arts funding in Sussex.

Contrary to popular misconception, especially after the City of Culture bid and the publicity received, Brighton is not awash with money for arts organisations.

The vast majority of local arts organisations are lean "businesses" where every penny earned is put back into the various cultural areas they work in.

Perhaps more than any other city in England, the life of Brighton and Hove is based on its culture.

From arts to sports, the city depends on this for the sake of those who live here and to bring in the visitors on whom many residents' jobs depend.

It is vital to help define the city to the world. I believe there are many people in the city who support this viewpoint and who are, like myself, proud to have an annual festival, with so many great events, on their doorstep.

-Alastair Upton director, The Charleston Trust, Charleston, Firle, near Lewes