The average number of full-time fundraisers in arts organisations has fallen by more than half just as the sector fears for a particularly punishing lot of government cutbacks after the election.

A report published today by Arts and Business shows that in the 2007/2008 financial year arts organisations on average employed five full time fundraisers, but in the latest financial year (2008/2009) that number more than halved to two.

The report comes just days after the release of a new strategy by Arts and Business, highlighting the predicted major public funding cuts that could befall the arts and the need to increase fundraising from corporates and via legacies.

The report authors fear that under-investment in skilled fundraisers could leave some organisations in a poor position when the economic recovery does arrive. However, it notes that in many organisations staff from different departments are increasingly being called on to fundraise.

Colin Tweedy, chief executive of Arts and Business, said that fundraising in the sector remained strong, despite the falling staff numbers: “Even during this current recession, fundraisers in the arts have done a fantastic job as the figure of £654.9 million raised from the private sector in 2008/09 testifies.

“We need to ensure that we are still able to employ a skilled, talented and dedicated workforce to raise the necessary funds and ensure that the sector continues to flourish."