In an effort to meet a government requirement that it trim its administrative costs 15 percent by 2010, the Arts Council England has announced that it plans to cut 24 percent of its workforce, the Guardian reports.

The cuts will come from all levels of the organization, from administrative to executive, and from all regions of the country. The move will reduce the staff from 622 people to 473, saving £6.5 million (about $9 million) a year, which will be poured instead into arts funding.

As part of the restructuring, oversight of the council's nine regional offices will be concentrated into four areas: north, Midlands and south-west, east and south-east, and London.

It is hoped that the new setup will correct some of the weaknesses noted by Lady Genista McIntosh, former head of the Royal Opera House, in a scathing criticism of the council last year. The report looked at what was behind funding decisions that resulted in widespread campaigns against the council and a vote of no confidence by several hundred arts community members.

"This proposal outlines a new Arts Council where responsibilities are clear and creative input at all levels is encouraged," the council's CEO, Alan Davey, said in a statement.