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Change is still in the air: not just at the Regional Arts Boards and the Arts Council of England. Now it is England?s Culture Ministry and Minister, not to mention the Government itself, who are all contemplating their futures as election frenzy starts to set in.
And whilst the survival of the Government looks like a pretty safe bet, the future for the Department responsible for the Dome and Wembley Stadium must surely offer slightly longer odds.

The interesting thing about change, is that however painful it may be, it nearly always brings opportunity with it. For the arts, there?s always a glimmer of hope that any change in the government structures will deliver some, if not all, of the sector?s own aspirations for the arts (p8/9). So far, there?s not a lot of evidence that any of the major parties have any intention of going far towards meeting the wish list of arts professionals; and there?s little to suggest that they have more than a passing interest in the arts as anything other than a short-term tool for achieving their other social and economic agendas. The Conservatives make much of ?Freeing our culture from political interference?, but in the past, that has been a handy euphemism for inadequate funding. Labour has committed to better funding support, but continues to fight shy of a widespread commitment to culture and creativity in the school curriculum. Sadly, it always seems to be a case of plus ça change.... Evidence of anyone valuing culture and creativity for its own sake is, as always, thin on the ground.

The ability (and humility) to recognise and respond positively to change is one of the characteristics that is prevalent amongst successful organisations of all kinds. Couple this with a clear understanding of why the organisation exists, and a vision of the future, and a glowing future will surely follow. A case in point is LIFT (p3), which surely deserves every success, having taken the bold step of recognising that it could now achieve more through a year-round schedule of productions rather than a biennial festival. And how refreshing to hear that the changes are being introduced to enable LIFT to explore new opportunities and take greater risks - something at the heart of its artistic vision. No reluctance here to make a commitment to culture and creativity for its own sake. Perhaps tickets to LIFT events should be de rigeur for incoming Ministers.