ART venues in Oxford have lost more than £105,000 after a Government agency cut its budget for the county.

The Pegasus Theatre, Oxford Contemporary Music, Oxford Playhouse, Modern Art Oxford and Oxfordshire Theatre Company have all seen their funding slashed after Arts Council England was forced to reduce spending by £100m.

Last night the centres vowed to remain open, but admitted they could face further funding cuts when Oxfordshire County and Oxford City councils announce the result of their own budget reviews.

Modern Art Oxford will get £64,569 less in government funding next year as a result of the Arts Council’s budget being being cut by £100m between 2011 and 2015 as part of the Government’s Spending Review. Director Michael Stanley said the gallery, in Pembroke Street, had been preparing for the cuts.

He said: “Our preparations have meant not replacing certain posts within the organisation when they become vacant, and restructuring our resources.

“While clearly there will be a reduction in our capacity, we are committed to ensuring that we continue to deliver the world class arts programme for which we are celebrated, coupled with our hugely significant work with schools and the communities of Oxford.”

The Pegasus Theatre, in Magdalen Road, East Oxford, will lose almost £22,000 next year, receiving £294,920 from the Arts Council.

Last night artistic director Euton Daley said staff were hoping that any further funding cuts would not be too severe.

He said: “This cut is disappointing but not unexpected. In fact, it was less than we thought.

“Now though we have to prepare for cuts from the city and county councils, which are having to tighten their belts.

“Everyone around here is keeping their fingers crossed that these cuts will not be too swingeing. Whatever happens, it will impact on the services we can offer.

“That said, we remain determined to keep the theatre open as a resource for people in East Oxford.”

He said jobs may have to go at the theatre.

The Oxford Playhouse, in Beaumont Street, will lose about £20,000 in funding.

Spokesman Madeleine Woolgar said: “We are determined not to cut back on the range of activity we do here – presenting shows on the main stage and in the studio, producing new shows, supporting artists and delivering our extensive programme of community and education work.

“However, we are still waiting to find out what level of funding we will be receiving from the city and county councils.

“Their ongoing commitment to the arts will be vital in these tough times, and will help to ensure that we can keep making theatre part of as many people’s lives as possible.”

The Arts Council was last night unavailable for comment.

dhearn@oxfordmail.co.uk