Letters - Glimmers of hope

From Andy O'Hanlon, Arts Development Officer, South Cambridgeshire District Council
In AP issue 140, 26 February, Eleonora Belfiore made a well-intended historical analysis of our notions about the arts. The results of her research were rather pre-determined: in a measurement culture where all we have is inflated claims for the arts and no satisfactory evidence, all we can realistically expect is controversy. After reading this, I was glad to turn the page and read John Holdens account of local authorities attitudes to the arts within the context of current cultural policy, or the lack of it. This was a great deal more assertive about the efficacy of the arts in public service, but the forecast was, similarly, not good. I would like to share a sign of hope with fellow readers. Currently, the Arts Council and local authorities are, with the DCMS, coming together to set standards for local authority arts services. Whilst this work may be too late to impact on the current government inspection regime, it will help to guarantee improved services in the future. It will also mean that I will be able to let planning officers and senior management know exactly what we should be aiming for in our community strategies and local development planning frameworks for the arts.