The management adage ‘don’t work harder, work smarter’ may be what HM Government has in mind with its new document, ‘Putting the Frontline First’ (p1). However, while there could be some exciting opportunities thrown up by changes to local government, some of the proposals may simply mean that a lot of us will be working a great deal harder as we try to make less go further. The idea that Whitehall and its many quangos are in need of trimming may be generally accepted by the political classes, but the arts sector is unlikely to cheer on further attempts to reduce costs for our arm’s length bodies (now known economically as ‘ALBs’ – is this a sign that the arm’s length principle has finally become entrenched?). ACE has just gone through a massive downsizing operation and a reorganisation. Even those who still think it’s over-staffed and over-bureaucratic can hardly welcome the idea of further upheavals in the near future. In addition, the Museums, Libraries and Archives and Council might justifiably believe that it has already done its bit by moving its headquarters to Birmingham and slashing its staff. We want our culture bureaucrats to leave off worrying about themselves and spend their time looking after the sector – and no doubt they would prefer that too.
Leader dreams
At last Creative Scotland is on its way (p2), gaining the green light from MSPs. Its immediate future will be taken up with an intense search for the right leader. Given that the Scottish Arts Council’s Jim Tough is off to pastures new (p4), Ken Hay of Scottish Screen must be a possible choice. However, we can’t be sure of that. This week, various papers have been running banker Robert Taylor up the flagpole as a potential Chair for Arts Council England, London – presumably to see if anyone salutes. Scotland may also look for a figure with one foot in the cultural sector and a business background. It can work – but picking a high-profile arts consumer instead of an arts professional could backfire – like appointing someone to run a bakery because they eat a lot of expensive bread. You don’t find a Tony Hall on every street corner. The recent clear-out of leaders from ACE’s regional offices might offer a few interesting possibilities.
Afterword
Attentive readers will have noted that my job is advertised on p17. Yes, I’m leaving after more than two years of bringing you the latest and the greatest. Anyone thinking of applying should know that the AP staff all make very good tea
This week Catherine finally got round to seeing ‘Up’, the enchantment and artistry of which didn’t quite neutralise a nagging question: how did the mad explorer end up with dozens of male dogs, and apparently no bitches?