Voluntary Arts Network (VAN) has welcomed the DCMS announcement of the first-ever survey of voluntary and amateur arts in England, which will be available online throughout February.
A VAN spokesman said that it would “help focus attention on the wealth of amateur and voluntary arts opportunities enjoyed by millions of people across the country every day – often with little publicity”. Consultants TBR have been tasked with creating a clearer picture of amateur arts and how they could be better supported. The results are expected this summer. Culture Minister Margaret Hodge said, “For too long, local arts groups have not been fully recognised as an important part of our thriving arts scene.” To participate in the survey, go to http://www.artsurvey.org.uk.