Philanthropist gives $13 million to British arts

[March 24, 2011]  LONDON (AP) -- A philanthropist has given 8.2 million pounds ($13.3 million) to 11 of Britain's leading arts and culture organizations, including the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Vivien Duffield says the money will be used to set up education centers for children. Duffield runs the Clore Duffield Foundation, established by her father, property magnate Charles Clore.

Recipients announced Thursday include the Museum of Liverpool, Kensington Palace and the new Margate Contemporary gallery.

The largest donations are 2.5 million pounds ($4 million) each to the Tate Britain museum and the National Theatre.

The gifts are a welcome injection of cash for arts organizations facing deep funding cuts as the government slashes public spending.

[Associated Press]

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