The continued tightening of funds from the Arts Council NI could spell difficulties for both Northern Visions and AU Mag. Both parties have been told that they will no longer receive funding from the body, which administers funds from government to cultural organisations.

Earlier this year funding was also reduced and insome cases withdrawn from projects who previously drew monies from Laganside Corporation grants, which could affect ventures such as the Black Box and Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival.

A statement about the future of AU Mag from publishers is expected tomorrow.

AU Mag has been in publication for almost ten years, covering both international and homegrown music as well as staging events including the recent NIMAs. Northern Visions has provided training and resources for grassroots media since 1986.