Platform – Visual vision

There is a paragraph in Arts Council Englands (ACE) new visual arts strategy (p1) which discusses &appropriate cross-sectoral partnerships strengthened by formal memoranda of understanding, regional development strategies and joint programmes. The sentence alerts one to the gloomy prospect of artistic endeavour being progressively tied up in red tape, as the funding system takes determined steps to stamp its mark on the complex and diverse activities of the visual arts sector. But cynicism at this stage is probably a little unfair. Turning Point is certainly a complicated document, but this is to be expected: the visual arts sector itself is complicated. It encompasses independent artists, commercial galleries, public buildings, national institutions, heritage sites and non-building-based organisations, and some of these are all of the above at the same time. Visual artists are pushing boundaries and engaging with an ever-expanding range of practice and form. Activity in this sector has always been difficult to quantify and ACE now has the job of supporting artists who work with wicker alongside those who work with wikis.
Perhaps this complexity has held ACE back from undertaking a visual arts review in the past. Indeed, given that the new strategy itself does not promise a tangible cash investment, there will be some who will wonder why theyve bothered to do it now. However, by clearly stating its commitment to visual arts, ACE has prepared the ground for future funding, and money looks like it will emerge in due course. Moreover, in bringing together the great and the good of the whole sector on its advisory panel, the strategy may well kick-start the collaborations required in the face of twenty-first century challenges. The visual arts are currently experiencing intensifying public enthusiasm fed by the likes of the Turner Prize, the commercial nous of the Young British Artists and the publicity generated by new major public galleries across the country. At the same time, arts practice has to place itself firmly in the vanguard of technological innovation. Meanwhile, artists must be afforded every opportunity to expand their vision and maintain their artistic integrity. At least the ball is rolling now  lets hope that the red tape wont slow its progress.

Liz Hill and Brian Whitehead, Co-editors