A consultation document aimed at defining a national framework for Arts Council Englands (ACE) relationship with local government is said by ACE to signal the recognition of a need to improve our two-way communication with colleagues in Local Government over national policy development. The consultation comes amidst ongoing concerns from local authorities that their relationship with ACE has been severely compromised by last years announcement that local authority partnership agreements were to be dropped.
As well as a consultation process there is also now a commitment from ACE for a meeting on the matter, at the highest level. David Brownlee, leading the consultation process for ACE, conceded that restructuring at National Office level provided ACE with an opportunity, to reflect on the support we give to local authorities, to seek feedback on our plans for new services, and to look for suggestions as to how we might work productively in partnership for the future. He also noted that his own part-time role as Local Government Strategy Advisor had been created as an interim measure, to, give increased capacity nationally for managing key relations with our partners.
Broadly welcoming the new consultation moves, Sue Isherwood from nalgao, the National Association of Local Government Arts Officers, struck a cautious note when she said, It doesnt feel at the moment that the relationship with ACE could be properly seen as a real partnership as partnerships are two-way. However, there is now a commitment from ACE to meet with LGA advisors and members over the next two months, so there is an opportunity for better bridge-building.
Published: 21-05-2007