DO YOU WANT TO PLAY A MAJOR PART IN THE FUTURE OF THE ARTS IN ENGLAND? The new national arts funding and development body, incorporating the Arts Council of England and the Regional Arts Boards wishes to appoint a Regional Arts Council for each of the nine regions of England: Northern, North West, Yorkshire, West Midlands, East Midlands, East England, South West, London, Southern and South East. The Chair of the Regional Council will be appointed by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. Applications and nominations for the other 14 places (19 in the case of Southern and South East) are now invited. The new body will provide co-ordination, overview and leadership in the arts, and will distribute over £500 million of public money and lottery grants by 2003/04. There will be substantial decision-making powers located at regional level. Those appointed as Regional Council members will have a broad overview of the full range of the Regional Council’s responsibilities; knowledge and understanding of the arts and the region; the ability to command respect within the arts constituency and amongst key regional stakeholders; the ability and willingness to act as an advocate for the arts; the ability to think imaginatively and strategically; and the time and energy to devote to the role (estimated up to 12 days per year). Members of Regional Councils are expected to live or work in the region and will serve on a voluntary basis, though reasonable expenses will be paid. It is the policy of the new national organisation to promote and integrate equality of opportunity into all aspects of its business, including appointments to Regional Councils. We wish to ensure that Regional Councils reflect the diversity of the communities in which they serve. We welcome applications from groups currently under-represented including women, Black, Asian and Chinese and other ethnic minority groups, and disabled people.

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