Income

Is price a reason for low engagement - or just an excuse?

Feet walking on a tightrope

26 Sep 2019

The popular misconception that price is the chief barrier to access to the arts has taken hold in the sector, while in reality, price is only one of a complex set of factors affecting engagement with ‘hard to reach’ groups. Tim Baker concludes it’s time to start a debate about the true meaning of affordability.

Audience development

Who’s missing out on tax relief?

24 Sep 2019

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.

Pulse report: The art of pricing

23 Sep 2019

Tim Baker analyses the findings from the ground-breaking research conducted by ArtsProfessional in partnership with Baker Richards, which gathered the views of the sector on whether – and how – arts organisations are balancing competing objectives.

Audience development

Scotland consults on tourist tax

A photograph of colourful houses on a street in Edinburgh

19 Sep 2019

There are calls for the government to consider exempting all Scottish residents from the proposed levy, which would be collected by accommodation providers.

Let’s talk fundraising tactics

Dancers performing at a fete

19 Sep 2019

Finding creative ways to grab donors’ attention is at the heart of successful fundraising campaigns. Conor Coyle shares some winning tactics.

Labour could bring in tourist tax, says Tom Watson

A photo of Tom Watson sitting on stage next to a woman

12 Sep 2019

The Shadow Culture Secretary said “a crude skills and salary approach to migration simply won’t work for the creative economy”.

Local authorities

Investment in the arts is no soft option

A photo of Edinburgh at night

23 Aug 2019

With a budget fast approaching, Arts Council England’s Chief Executive Darren Henley calls on the new Government to back up its warm words for the arts with financial support.

Supporting artists

Cultural Education Partnerships’ development stalls

A photo of children in a gallery with pictures on the wall

22 Aug 2019

Four years after the scheme was launched, only a third of partnerships believe they are established and delivering.

Local authorities

Children and young people

ACE ‘may have to revise’ NPO funding agreements from 2020

A photo of the National Theatre at night

16 Aug 2019

The Arts Council has warned that if its grant-in-aid from DCMS is cut in the forthcoming spending review, it may not be able to afford its existing funding commitments.

Government must act to protect freedom of movement

A photo of two violinists looking into the distance

11 Jul 2019

Many British musicians fear that Brexit will reduce their ability to travel easily and cheaply around Europe for work. Francesca Treadaway calls for action to protect their livelihoods.

Supporting artists

What the Romans did for us…

Photo of a Roman Bath

04 Jul 2019

Visitor attractions are embracing innovative approaches to maximising sales and income. Debbie Richards explains the approach recently introduced at The Roman Baths, a leading heritage attraction.

Retail and merchandising

London still dominates private fundraising

Photo of The British Museum

21 Jun 2019

A growing number of organisations fear that a slowing economy will harm their ability to raise funds.

We need to work harder on donor diversity

Photo of people socialising

20 Jun 2019

For too long arts organisations have limited their individual giving efforts to white British donors. Michelle Wright urges an approach that prioritises donor diversity.

The data illusion

A photo of people in the rain outside London's National Gallery

14 Jun 2019

Funders are increasing their demands for data from arts organisations while only paying lip service to quality in their own statistics. It’s time to stop indulging them, says Jonathan Knott.

Audience development

Finding a way with words

Photo of a woman using a macbook

06 Jun 2019

The ability to write clearly about an organisation’s ethos, approach, and audience needs is an essential skill for effective cultural sector fundraisers, says Caroline McCormick.

Human resources

Case builds for ‘commercial justification’ of the arts

31 May 2019

As a Government spending review approaches, Arts Council England and the Creative Industries Federation have joined forces to put forward an unashamedly economic case for funding culture.

Grassroots venues face discrimination on business rates, says UK Music

Close up photo of a microphone

24 May 2019

The industry body says 124 venues would save more than £4,000 each a year if they were offered the same discounts as pubs and bars.

Retail and merchandising

Wheelchair users barred from online bookings

A photo of an empty theatre auditorium

24 May 2019

New research finds only 4% of bookings that included wheelchair access needs were made online, compared to 60% of all transactions.

Audience development

Retail and merchandising

Don't run at it

Photo of The Multiverse Arcade in the Mining Institute Newcastle

23 May 2019

What is it like to join Arts Council England's National Portfolio? Annie Rigby shares her stories of joy, relief and fatigue following her organisation's first year as an NPO.

Fundraisers concerned about donors’ future income

17 May 2019

New research warns that “the wider macroeconomic environment will impact on the ability of charities to raise funds when individuals experience a decline in disposable income”.

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