Before praising the Culture Secretary for “responding so positively” to the financial crisis facing the cultural sector, Arts Council England would do well to take a step back and review its own evidence, says Liz Hill.
Artists from across Europe describe what it’s like to work in their country of origin – from the almost desperate situation for some freelance artists in Spain to the generous support on offer in Arctic Norway.
Arts Council England’s draft ten-year strategy aims to ensure its own bureaucratic survival and reveals the thinking of an organisation that imagines it is in charge. It is not a strategy for the cultural organisations it is meant to serve, says Robert Hewison.
The rise of populism, rejection from investors, a volatile labour market, climate change, digitisation and "economic crisis recovery": a new study surveys the threats and opportunities facing Europe's creative and cultural sectors.
Protesters say the funder’s draft strategy “neither addresses the urgency of the climate and ecological emergency, nor grasps the chance to trumpet boldly the pivotal role arts and culture play in bringing about societal changes”.
More than 600 sector professionals have responded to ArtsProfessional’s survey looking at the delicate and emotive battle between balancing the books and keeping arts activities affordable.
A 40% cut in funding over a decade, with 19% of cuts made in the past year: arts groups call for government action on the crisis facing Aberdeen’s arts sector.
The Heritage Alliance is calling for greater recognition and funding to support the historic places and objects that underpin creative and cultural activities, challenging the stereotype of heritage as “a decorative incidental backdrop to contemporary creative work”.
While the number of tax reliefs available to the creative industries has grown, some sectors are missing out by being slow to take advantage of potential savings. Louise Veragoo explains who might be eligible for this free cash.
A £1.8 million commitment to the troubled gallery reflects its “vital importance” to reinvigorating contemporary and visual art in the city, the funder says.
DCMS has received £100m extra annual funding in the spending review, but Arts Council England has not ruled out revising funding agreements for its National Portfolio Organisations.
England’s rural arts leaders have serious concerns about the future of their organisations and are calling for more support – whether through Arts Council funding, partnerships with city-based venues or organisational development schemes.
A sticking plaster policy
Before praising the Culture Secretary for “responding so positively” to the financial crisis facing the cultural sector, Arts Council England would do well to take a step back and review its own evidence, says Liz Hill.