Arts Council England review to ensure all have access to culture

An independent review of Arts Council England (ACE) will launch in the new year to ensure every region across the UK has access to high-quality arts and culture. 

ACE is a government-funded non-departmental public body dedicated to promoting the performing, visual and literary arts in England.

UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has appointed Baroness Margaret Hodge, a former Minister of State for Culture, Creative Industries and Tourism, to lead the review. Baroness Hodge will be aided by an advisory panel featuring experts from across the arts and cultural sectors.

Key priorities of the review will include exploring ACE’s role in enabling all to participate in, and consume, culture and creativity regardless of their background or where they live; exploring how ACE engages with its partners and stakeholders; evaluating ACE’s role in developing a strong and vibrant creative sector that supports grassroots and internationally renowned works of art; considering ACE’s role in the wider cultural funding ecosystem; and assessing ACE’s mandate to ensure it is clear and appropriate for the 21st century.

“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,” said the Culture Secretary.

“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.”