AN independent organisation is needed to develop an arts strategy for the borough, it is being claimed.
A report calling for a rethink on the arts has been produced by the South Croydon Community Association and sent to the Arts Council, London Mayor, Boris Johnson and leading local political and business figures.
The association believes Croydon is missing out on essential funding to develop the arts mix in the borough because too much financing and operation is or has been tied in with the council.
It argues that cuts in council funding in recent years have seen the demise of the Warehouse Theatre in Dingwall Road, Croydon, the David Lean cinema and the arts facilities based in the Clocktower complex in Katharine Street and the Croydon Mela and World Music Festival.
Charlotte Davies, chair of the association said there were vibrant smaller arts communities and arts facilities in Croydon.
An independent charitable comprising national arts figures and local input would be able to provide the vision to help these prosper that did not exist now, she added.
The association's report said benefits for these groups and venues from an independent body would include: helping them access funding beyond Croydon; share resources and facilities; promote their activities and communicate and celebrate the vibrancy and diversity of Croydon.