News – ACNI strategy consultation

An emphasis on building public support for the arts will form the mainstay of activity for the Arts Council of Northern Ireland (ACNI) over the next five years according to its recently published draft strategy. ACNIs plans have been drawn together under four broad themes: promoting the value of the arts; strengthening the arts; growing audiences and improving organisational performance. The strategy is now open for consultation until 15 September.
In its introduction, the report recognises that the plan will operate at a time when the Review of Public Administration is likely to change the landscape and culture of public services in Northern Ireland, but pledges that ACNI will respond positively to these changes, and develop links with relevant partners. The publication of the draft strategy coincides with the publication of ACNIs annual report for 2004/05. Over this period, the Council distributed a total £10.6m on arts funding with operating costs of £1.5m.