James Purnell, the Secretary of State for Culture, has asked Sir Brian McMaster, former Director of the Edinburgh International Festival, to undertake a review that will report on:

• How the system of public sector support for the arts can encourage excellence, risk-taking and innovation
• How artistic excellence can encourage wider and deeper engagement with the arts by audiences
• How to establish a light touch and non-bureaucratic method to judge the quality of the arts in the future

The review will involve artists, producers, arts administrators and the public. It will use appropriate international comparisons and provide examples of how the arts in England have improved quality and innovation with increased investment. Sir Brian will be supported by Nicola Thorold along with staff from DCMS and Arts Council England. The DCMS has called for online submissions on what people think constitutes excellence in the arts and what factors have encouraged excellence, risk-taking and innovation in arts work.
The Secretary of State has asked Sir Brian to report back later in 2007 with his findings.

http://www.culture.gov.uk/what_we_do/Arts/mcmaster_review.htm