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A significant review of Arts Council England (ACE) has called for a radical transformation in how cultural funding is allocated in England, advocating for greater regional authority and the removal of a contentious policy perceived to limit artistic excellence. Former government minister Dame Margaret Hodge conducted the review, which scrutinized ACE’s management of over £680 million annually in arts funding. Her findings emphasize that while ACE should continue to operate, new local and regional boards should be established to oversee funding decisions for local arts entities.
Dame Margaret criticized the existing “Let’s Create” strategy, describing it as a restrictive framework that many believe suppresses artistic creativity and innovation. She stated, “People felt that ACE was pursuing access to culture in an instrumentalist way and had lowered the priority given to the pursuit of artistic excellence. Art and excellence were sidelined.” According to her, many cultural venues and organizations felt pressured to conform to ACE’s criteria to secure funding rather than freely express their artistic goals, which she said created a stifling environment.
The “Let’s Create” strategy was originally promoted by ACE as a means to broaden cultural access and funding, prioritizing grassroots and community art initiatives. However, it has faced criticism for allegedly marginalizing top-tier artists. Earlier this year, London’s Wigmore Hall withdrew from the annual funding system, labeling it as “crippling.” John Gilhooly, the hall’s director, commented, “This most welcome report vindicates what many of us have been telling the ACE privately for years… ACE must listen, and I urge the government to take on all the recommendations in full. The ACE is meant to be champion of the arts, not our school master.”
In response, Arts Council England expressed a positive reception to the review, acknowledging the support for the principles of excellence and access embedded in the Let’s Create strategy. They also welcomed recommendations to enhance support for artists and seek new funding streams, particularly in areas historically underserved. However, ACE admitted it had been too “prescriptive” in implementing the strategy and recognized the need to reduce administrative burdens on artists and organizations, stating, “We are committed to using the review’s findings to improve, so that we can better meet the needs of the people we serve.”
Looking ahead, Dame Margaret suggested that funding decisions for nationally and internationally significant arts organizations should be made by a national panel, while smaller, more locally focused funds should be allocated by regional boards to amplify the voice of local communities. She highlighted confusion in the sector over funding cuts affecting prominent opera companies, such as Welsh National Opera, Glyndebourne, and English National Opera, which faced reductions simultaneously. Ultimately, she described Arts Council England as “a vital national body” whose future reshaping could foster a stronger and more dynamic cultural landscape for the coming decade. The culture secretary, Lisa Nandy, welcomed the report, stating it “challenges us to do better” by improving community engagement and accessibility. A comprehensive government response is expected early next year
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