What could have been a fairy tale for more than 50 artists has turned sour after their exhibition failed to attract the funding they hoped for.

The Brighton artists have dedicated the last year to Twisted, an exhibition in which they give their take on well-known European fairy stories.

It was due to be held at the Rotunda Cafe, Preston Park, Brighton between May 2 and 18.

But Awards for All and Arts Council England have declined to fund the show. Now time is running out and the group members are worried all their hard work could go to waste.

They have created theatre, dance, photography and sculpture for the exhibition, which includes artists' impressions of famous fairy tales from the brothers Grimm.

They hoped it would give them a break in the art world. Organisers say they feel let down.

Bindi Cartwright, 32, said: "We were only told last week the Arts Council England had decided not to fund us. Now we've got one week to stop it all falling apart.

"They are all very talented but cannot afford to be professional artists. It was hoped this exhibition could give some of them their break.

"But they are now downhearted and concerned all their hard work has been for nothing."

The free exhibition has been organised by Arts Sentinel, a group set up by Bindi and friends to promote Brighton's thriving art scene.

Bindi, of Springfield Road, Brighton, is now looking at other ways to find the £3,000 they need to fund it.

The organisers will pay as much as they can from their own pockets. And they will try to persuade the Rotunda Cafe to let them pay the rent after the event.

But the group is desperate for sponsors to ensure the show goes on.

Arts management student Bindi said: "We're really stuck. We're desperate for the exhibition to go ahead for the sake of the artists."

Although the group's application for funding was sent in January, it takes three months to process and was not discussed until March.

Diana Hall, of the Arts Council England, said the organisation regretted not being able to offer any funding.

She said: "Unfortunately we could not fund the project. Their application was discussed in the last meeting of the financial year.

"We had limited funds remaining as the year's budget was coming to an end. But it had nothing to do with the quality of the work. The work was exceptional and it was with regret we could not help."

Anyone interested in sponsoring the group should contact Bindi on 07879236732 or email b.cartwright3@ntlworld.com
Report by Pete Samson