The Arts Council England (ACE) has unveiled a new Strategic Framework, marking a significant shift from its controversial Let's Create plan. This move comes in response to an independent review that criticized Let's Create for being overly prescriptive and failing to encourage diversity and inclusion. The new framework aims to address these issues by prioritizing quality and supporting excellence in the arts, while also striving to "deliver for everybody" and "reach everywhere".
One of the key changes is the focus on artistic excellence as the primary consideration for funding applications. ACE promises to invest in work that is, or has the potential to be, excellent, and to make decisions based on the quality of the creative or cultural work proposed. This shift away from the previous plan's emphasis on inclusivity and environmental responsibility is notable, and raises questions about the balance between artistic excellence and diversity in the arts.
The new framework also aims to address the issue of unevenly distributed funding by seeking to balance investment and activity across the country. ACE pledges to engage more deeply with local and mayoral authorities, as well as collaborating more determinedly with philanthropists and the private sector. This move could help to redress the historical imbalance in funding and support for arts organizations in different regions.
However, the framework's commitment to "accept or explore" all of the recommendations made in Baroness Margaret Hodge's review raises concerns about the potential for political interference in the arts. While ACE states that its decision-making is "free of political interference", the requirement to respond to the policy priorities of the government of the day could still have implications for artistic freedom.
In my opinion, the new Strategic Framework represents a step forward for the Arts Council England, addressing some of the key issues raised in the independent review. However, the potential for political interference in the arts remains a concern, and it will be important to monitor how the framework is implemented and how it affects the diversity and inclusivity of the arts in England. The Arts Council's commitment to "deliver for everybody" and "reach everywhere" is laudable, but it will be crucial to ensure that these goals are achieved without compromising artistic excellence or freedom.
