Rory Jeffes has called on Greg Hywood to recognise the importance of critical arts journalism.

Sydney Symphony Orchestra is the latest to join a growing list of arts organisations condemning Fairfax Media’s decision to cut a quarter of its journalists. As has been reported in The Guardian, it is likely that amongst the 125 positions to be abolished are “all dedicated arts, film and books writers at The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald, along with two deputy arts editor roles”.

Rory Jeffes, Managing Director of the SSO, has responded to the proposed cuts in a statement published by the MEAA, entitled “an open letter to Greg Hywood about the value of specialised arts journalism”. In it, he says: “I write as the Managing Director of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra to express my deep concern at proposals we understand are being considered by Fairfax again to reduce coverage of the arts and make the positions of specialised staff arts writers redundant”.

“For performing arts companies, and individual artists, a culture of robust and independent arts criticism provides a critical link with their communities. It is a vital part of the virtuous circle of performance...