From Louise De Winter,
Director, National Campaign for the Arts
Paul Bogens article on arts funding (AP Issue 147, 4 June) asked who was advocating for the arts and representing the sector at a political level? The answer is the National Campaign for the Arts (NCA). We are the independent lobbying organisation representing all the arts, and are funded by our membership base. Over recent months the NCA, among other things, has led a delegation to the Chancellor to discuss arts funding, co-ordinated an industry letter to Gordon Brown about the same, persuaded Tessa Jowell to hold a briefing meeting for the sector at DCMS about the Olympics and the Lottery, and we have been valiantly campaigning on the issue of artist visas and proposed new immigration rules. So, Paul Bogen can be reassured that such a body exists, and that we are fighting hard to secure the best possible funding and environment for the arts and artists to thrive.