A fresh vision

Artist's impression of new arts centre
15 Sep 2016

Harrow Arts Centre faced almost certain closure following council cuts, but a fresh vision and new governance under a charitable trust are securing its long-term future. Andrew Welch tells the story.

Classical music becoming middle class, committee hears

Photo of orchestra
09 Sep 2016

A meeting of the Countries of Culture inquiry this week heard about the challenges facing regional arts organisations following local authority cuts.

Effective outcomes for people and communities

Photo of a girl in the Infinity box
05 May 2016

The benefits of commissioners working with the arts sector have been highlighted by pilot schemes in Kent and Gloucestershire. Jessica Harris shares the details.

Pop-up opportunity

Photo of the library as performance venue
05 May 2016

The invitation to bring a disused library in Southwark back to life as a pop-up space for artists and community groups came with many challenges as well as opportunities, Rebecca Manson Jones reveals.

Public art activity recovers to 2011 levels

Photo of a statue
29 Apr 2016

Private sector money linked to public sector policy is giving a boost to employment in public art and the number and value of projects being completed. 

The road to self-sufficiency

Photo of exterior of Exeter Corn Exchange
28 Apr 2016

When Exeter Corn Exchange had to become financially self-sufficient, its busier programme required a fully rounded box office management system. Libby Penn reports.

Developing a narrative for people, communities and place

Photo of choir rehearsal
03 Mar 2016

How can arts organisations present their offer more effectively to public service commissioners? Five pilot consortia have been working to do just that and Jessica Harris reports on what they’ve learned. 

Council venue to use profits for capital match funding

Mock-up of refurbished TRCH
26 Feb 2016

The Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall is finding the match funding for a £1.5m Arts Council capital grant from its trading surpluses.

A model for music education

Image of children's orchestra
23 Feb 2016

The challenge to nurture and support cultural and music education outside London is on. Ian Thomas assesses a model that brings together several music services across four local authorities.

Bristol City Council and ACE sign Memorandum of Understanding

Photo of the Mayor of Bristol and Peter Bazalgette signing the memorandum
04 Dec 2015

A four-year Memorandum of Understanding outlines a potential model for collaboration between Arts Council England and local authorities if devolution progresses.

“Astonishing” result for ACE in spending review, says Bazalgette

Photo of Sir Peter Bazalgette
27 Nov 2015

The autumn statement, which protected money to the arts but delivered a blow to local authorities, has drawn mixed responses.

Cities recognise benefits of culture, report finds

Photo of an outdoor concert
26 Nov 2015

Local authorities envisage a shift away from direct provision of cultural services, but are preparing to lead by articulating a vision, brokering partnerships, and sourcing new funding.

Riding a bike that’s on fire

Photo of Bethany Houldsworth
02 Nov 2015

Bethany Houldsworth reveals how she’s learned a lot as a Creative Apprentice for Lancashire County Council – not least about herself.

Work closely with the arts, London Mayor tells developers

Photo of Mayor of London Boris Johnson
29 Oct 2015

A new guide aims to help councils, developers and planners integrate culture into the capital’s developments.

Edinburgh council prepares to overhaul arts funding

Photo of someone in bright blue carnival dress
22 Oct 2015

More partnership working is key for the future of local authority arts funding in Edinburgh, but delays and a budget deficit are hindering progress.

Competing against other demands

Photo of a giant sculpture of a hippo in the Thames
21 Oct 2015

Paul Martin reveals how London’s boroughs are protecting arts and culture against rising rents and funding cuts.

Financial advantages

Photo of drummer
01 Oct 2015

Richmond Arts Service shared resources and took advantage of new funding opportunities by working in partnerships, say Pippa Joiner and Emma Cookson.

The arts on a zero budget

Photo of art in tube station
24 Sep 2015

How can a council support the arts when its budget has been cut completely? Charlotte Fergusson shares the inspiring story of Westminster City Council.

Learning for the future

Mobile Phone grass flowers
24 Sep 2015

Caroline O’Neill explains why a project using the arts to improve the lives of looked after children and adults with dementia, across four local authorities in South Wales, was so successful.

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