In responding to Viram Jasani’s comments (AP256, ‘A Different Agenda’) I don’t believe it would be helpful or, indeed, appropriate for Arts Council England to argue the whys and wherefores of a decision that has been tested repeatedly and to the highest level in the courts – which each time found in the Arts Council’s favour. I do want, however, to disagree in the strongest possible way with the inference that we don’t take our duties or our commitment to equality seriously.
The judgments speak for themselves. In the Court of Appeal, Lord Justice Richards stated “…consideration of diversity issues infused the decision-making process” and Lord Justice Moore-Bick’s judgment states “it seems clear to me that throughout the process the respondent was well aware of its duty to promote equality of opportunity and took many steps to ensure that it did so to the best of its ability, consistent with its overall strategy.”
Readers will only need to look at our recent National portfolio and strategic touring decisions to see that the Arts Council remains passionate about access to all forms of music. Just because we chose not to fund a particular organisation, it does not mean that we are any less committed to the provision of a range of arts activity – in this case to Asian music. Our investments in Darbar, in the BT River of Music event, in Asian Arts Agency tours, and in the touring infrastructure through a Roots Music and Band on the Wall partnership, are testament to that commitment.