Useless art is lavished with cash and draws critics' ire

Brussels: The European Commission has been accused of wasting millions of pounds of taxpayer's money on "pointless" arts events despite the economic crisis.

The 2010 culture programme shows that £366 million (Dh2.01 billion) will be spent on a series of events including some promoting wind instruments, "hip hop" dance and circus skills. The European Laboratory for Hip Hop Dance will be given £900,000 to "improve the recognition and visibility" of the style in Europe.

Hailed as the flagship event of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, it is designed to raise awareness.