Southern Arts, the Regional Arts Board threatened with abolition under Arts Council of England (ACE) proposals to restructure the arts funding system, has published the findings from its own consultation with artists about its future.
A 125-page document, The Artists? Voice, comprises a collection of letters received by Southern Arts in response to a consultation paper which was sent to Southern Arts clients, partners and other stakeholders when ACE announced that the work of Southern Arts would in future be taken on by South East Arts and South West Arts, reflecting the Government Office regions in the south of England.
Over 500 letters have been received, 87% in support of its work and expressing concerns over ACE plans. Local authorities, artists, and arts managers and administrators across all sectors are represented in the document, raising a wide range of issues including fears about perceived centralisation, the ability of the proposed new structure to respond to regional needs, and the cost and disruption of major restructuring. Many have commented on the ?undemocratic? process by which the radical proposals have been determined, criticising the lack of openness and demanding full consultation and a realistic timetable for change.
Chief Executive of Southern Arts, Robert Hutchison, described the letters of support as representing ?the real strength of feeling from individual artists and arts organisations about the effects of the Arts Council?s proposals.? Southern Arts is working with ACE to commission an independent evaluation of the consultation exercise carried out on their proposals, and arts journalist Rick Rogers is preparing a summary report.