An independent review of Arts Council England (ACE) will launch
in the new year to ensure every region across the country has
access to high-quality arts and culture.
Baroness , a former Minister of State
for Culture, Creative Industries and Tourism, has been appointed
by Culture Secretary to lead the review aided by an
advisory panel featuring experts from across the arts and
cultural sectors.
The Terms of Reference will be agreed and published in due
course, however, key priorities of the review will include:
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Exploring ACE's role in supporting excellence across the
country, ensuring that everyone is able to participate in and
consume culture and creativity, regardless of their
background or where they live
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Exploring how ACE engages with its partners and stakeholders
at all levels to ensure that national and local priorities
work harmoniously to benefit the public
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Evaluating ACE's role in developing a strong and vibrant
creative sector which supports both grassroots creativity and
internationally renowned works of art
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Considering ACE's role in the wider cultural funding
ecosystem, and mechanisms to strengthen the role of local
voices in decision making
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Assessing ACE's mandate to ensure it is clear and appropriate
for the 21st century and it is able to deliver high quality
arts and culture on a national, regional and local level
It comes as part of the Government's efforts to break down
barriers to opportunity through its Plan for Change with
investment and reform to deliver growth, create more jobs and
rebuild Britain in a decade of national renewal.
Culture Secretary said:
“Arts and culture must be for everyone, everywhere.
“No matter your background or the place you live, we should all
be able to experience the joys that dance, theatre, music,
museums, even borrowing a book from a library brings.
“For too long only the privileged few in select parts of the
country have been able to have access to high-quality arts or to
believe a career within them was possible.
“This review is the first step on the journey to restoring
people's connection with the arts and culture in every region of
the country.
“I am absolutely delighted that has agreed to take up this
role. Her wealth of experience will help us to break down
barriers to opportunity in arts and culture and give our young
people the chance to shape their own future.”
Lead reviewer Rt Hon. Baroness said:
“I am absolutely thrilled to be asked to lead the review of the
Arts Council. I am passionate about the rich contribution the
arts can make to all of us, as individuals, in our communities
and to the economy.
“I look forward to engaging with the Arts Council and with a wide
range of stakeholders across the country as we consider the
challenges and opportunities the Arts Council faces.”
The expert advisory panel assisting with the review will be
published in due course, alongside the agreed Terms of Reference
for the review.
In addition, the government has extended the tenure of Chair of
Arts Council England, Sir Nicholas Serota, by 18 months to
maintain stability during the review process.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
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Arts Council England is an executive non-departmental public
body, and was established by Royal Charter in 1946.
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It makes funding decisions at arm's length from the
government of the day, using taxpayers' and National Lottery
players' money to support engaging and innovative projects
and organisations across the whole of England.
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ACE is one of the government's primary vehicles to support
the arts in England; its role encompasses funding and
investment, research, support and advice to the sector, and
partnership promotion. It works in partnership with a broad
range of individuals and organisations across artforms and at
the local, regional and national levels.