Sir – Oxford is unquestionably a city of arts and culture, with respected universities ancient and modern, beautiful buildings, fascinating history and vibrant communities, world class choirs and niche festivals of literature, visual arts, documentary film and chamber music.

However, in preparing a bid to be UK City of Culture, instead of reflecting complacently on existing assets perhaps effort and resources should be put into addressing some notable gaps in provision of arts facilities.

Despite a superabundance of high-quality music, Oxford still does not have a properly equipped large concert venue. The only large-scale theatrical venue will shortly pass from the ownership of one huge and distant media group to another, continuing centralised commercial programming of little local connection or distinction.

Artists are progressively squeezed out of studio space by punitive rent and rates; performers struggle to find affordable rehearsal space. And despite the hundreds of dance classes in an array of genres and styles given each week to enthusiastic children, talented students and adults, the city currently does not possess a single purpose-built dedicated dance studio of adequate size. During Dancin’ Oxford Festival this year local professional dance artists danced in the streets because there was no venue available in which they could perform.

I was recently in Didcot admiring the new Cornerstone Arts Centre, with theatre, dance studio and exhibition space, which forms the living heart of its modernised town centre. I walk through the centre of Oxford seeing yet more empty premises that no-one can afford to use. It occurs that if Oxford wishes to be worthy of being UK City of Culture what we really need is not a West End development of more shops, but some proper facilities where artists can rehearse, create and perform, and which we can all profit from and enjoy.

Susie Crow, Ballet in Small Spaces, Oxford