Opera plans: ACE to launch sector consultation

Arts Council England will conduct a sector-wide consultation on the state of opera in the country next year prior to setting out its position on the art form, it has been announced.

In an update published on its website, ACE said more details on the process would be provided once it published an independent analysis of opera and musical theatre.

The funder had previously said it intended to set out its response to the analysis, which it commissioned earlier this year, at the same time as the publication of its findings.

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But ACE has now said that, while the analysis will be published by February next year at the latest, it intends to consult the sector on its content before responding. 

Plans to conduct an independent analysis of opera and musical theatre were first announced in January following criticism of ACE's investment plans for its 2023-26 National Portfolio.

Opera was among the worst hit art forms of ACE's funding decisions, with the English National Opera, based in London, being removed from the National Portfolio altogether. 

Meanwhile, Glyndebourne, based in East Sussex, received a 50% cut, and Welsh National Opera saw a 35% cut.

“Arts Council England will publish both the final independent report and, in due course and following further consultation with the sector, our response to it," a statement on ACE's website says.

“We will share more information about our plans for this further consultation when we publish the report in the new year.”

ACE has said the analysis work conducted by DHA Communications and The Audience Agency will bring together data and understanding from a range of perspectives to "give a more comprehensive picture than has previously been available".

It is hoped that the work will identify gaps in data and "provide useful context for future planning".