Explore the essential recommendations from the independent review of Arts Council England aimed at enhancing and fortifying the arts sector.
Topics covered
The landscape of the arts in the UK has experienced significant changes, prompting a thorough examination of the role and structure of Arts Council England (ACE). This independent review, initiated by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media, and Sport, was led by Baroness Margaret Hodge with support from an Advisory Panel of experts from various creative fields.
Their objective was to assess ACE’s effectiveness and identify ways to enhance its contributions to the arts.
To gather a broad range of insights, the review engaged with over 700 individuals and received more than 4,500 responses through a public Call for Evidence.
This extensive feedback highlighted the urgent need for innovative solutions to tackle the chronic underfunding that has affected the arts sector over the past decade.
The facts
Among the key findings is the recommendation that the government maintain its commitment to the Arts Council while reinforcing the Arm’s Length Principle.
This principle is designed to protect arts funding from political interference, ensuring funding decisions remain impartial and focused on artistic merit.
Innovative funding solutions
Despite recognizing the fiscal constraints faced by the government, the review urges exploration of creative funding solutions to support the arts. For instance, it suggests amending the theatre tax relief to cover additional costs associated with touring, such as transportation and accommodation. This change would align with existing orchestra tax relief and promote access to cultural excellence, particularly in underserved regions.
Additionally, the review advocates for a thorough evaluation of tax reliefs to ensure they meet the evolving needs of the arts sector. Proposed amendments include expediting tax relief payments to address cash flow issues and enabling ACE to explore a wider array of financing options, including loans and blended finance.
Reforming the National Portfolio Organisations
Another significant recommendation involves overhauling the funding model for National Portfolio Organisations (NPOs). The review proposes that organizations clarify their unique contributions to the arts and outline key performance indicators (KPIs) for assessment. This approach ensures funding aligns with ACE’s overarching strategy while allowing organizations to focus on their individual strengths.
Decentralizing decision-making
The review emphasizes the need for local and regional decision-making boards to take a more prominent role in funding distribution. These boards would consist of local artists, representatives from community organizations, and local government officials, fostering a more inclusive and responsive funding process.
ACE’s application and reporting requirements are scrutinized, with recommendations for significant simplification to reduce bureaucratic hurdles while maintaining accountability for public funds. This would allow organizations to prioritize creativity over navigating complex funding processes.
Empowering underrepresented communities
The review highlights the necessity of ensuring that underrepresented groups have a voice within ACE and the funded organizations. This commitment to diversity is essential for enriching the arts and promoting a more inclusive cultural landscape.
Furthermore, the establishment of a new National Programme for Individuals is proposed to support emerging talent. This initiative aims to provide mentorship and financial assistance to individuals from low-income backgrounds or underrepresented communities, fostering a diverse talent pool in the arts.
The economic significance of the arts
To gather a broad range of insights, the review engaged with over 700 individuals and received more than 4,500 responses through a public Call for Evidence. This extensive feedback highlighted the urgent need for innovative solutions to tackle the chronic underfunding that has affected the arts sector over the past decade.0
To gather a broad range of insights, the review engaged with over 700 individuals and received more than 4,500 responses through a public Call for Evidence. This extensive feedback highlighted the urgent need for innovative solutions to tackle the chronic underfunding that has affected the arts sector over the past decade.1
To gather a broad range of insights, the review engaged with over 700 individuals and received more than 4,500 responses through a public Call for Evidence. This extensive feedback highlighted the urgent need for innovative solutions to tackle the chronic underfunding that has affected the arts sector over the past decade.2
