The findings from Arts Council Englands (ACE) first ever public value debate have been unveiled in a new report, Public value and the arts in England, by Catherine Bunting. According to the research, which involved staff, members of the public, artists, arts managers and stakeholder organisations, ACE should give more priority to innovation in the arts. There is widespread support for public funding of the arts, said Peter Hewitt, ACE Chief Executive, and the public is calling for the Arts Council to be a standard-bearer for innovation.
The public also wants to be more involved in ACE decision-making, making the process more accountable. The report explores a number of areas of tension and debate, some of which reflect issues highlighted in last years Peer Review (see AP issue 113). A major issue for arts professionals is that accountability can stifle creativity and artistic practice. For artists, there is the tension between the individual right to artistic expression and the desire to engage and connect with others. ACE intends to develop a detailed response to the report, and an action plan, saying that there is a call for an ambitious and wide-reaching programme of public investment in the arts. This is not the end of the conversation, says Hewitt, The findings will help shape our strategy for the future.
Published: 19-11-2007