Times may be tough for many visitor attractions as the UK economy continues its slow recovery from recession.
At the Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP), however, staff are celebrating something of an annus mirabilis.
They revealed today that their visitor numbers have soared by 40 per cent since April 2010.
That rise is being partly put down to the popularity of an exhibition by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa, which has now been extended to January 22 next year.
Other highlights of a 2011 to remember for the sculpture park include:
* The opening of a new visitor centre;
* Success in tourism agency Welcome to Yorkshire’s White Rose Awards;
* The restoration of 150 acres of historic lakes and woodlands at its home on the Bretton Estate near Wakefield.
An economic impact study, meanwhile, showed that the sculpture park is worth more than £5m each year to the local economy.
There is, though, one blot on the horizon for bosses at the attraction, which is run as a charity and opened in 1977.
The funding it receives from the Arts Council will be cut by 14.9 per cent over three years from next April.
Sculpture park executive director Peter Murray said: “As a centre of international standing, the recent economic impact study has served to highlight just how essential the arts and culture are in building a successful visitor economy and accelerating economic growth.
“As we enter a challenging phase of funding cuts, the continued support from our partners and stakeholders is essential to build on and enhance the international profile of the arts in this district.”
Welcome to Yorkshire chief executive Gary Verity said: “Tourism in Yorkshire employs more than 250,000 people and is worth £7bn to the county’s economy annually.
“The unique nature and international profile of YSP contributes significantly to this figure.
“It has helped to ensure that Yorkshire is bucking the trend this year as tourism spend and visits to this region increase.”
* Artist Aeneas Wilder was yesterday due to KICK DOWN his Untitled #155m installation at the sculpture park.
The free-standing wooden structure is being smashed to pieces to encourage people to think about recycling.
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