Veronica Wadley has begun her term as London Chair and National Council member of Arts Council England with a call for everyone in the arts 'to hold their nerve'.

'Yes, it is a challenging time to take a job in the arts and yes, we must all think smarter but we must hold our nerve. I will do all I can to advocate for the arts in London - and defend excellence and innovation.

'London is a cultural powerhouse. And many people chose to live and work in London because of its fantastic cultural life. With the 2012 Olympics just two years away and more visitors than ever coming to London, it is critical that this vitality is maintained.'

Ten days after the Government's emergency budget signalled funding cuts of at least 25% to most departments, including the Department for Culture Media and Sport, Wadley says: 'Confidence in the cultural sector must be maintained and we must not lose sight of the immeasurable contribution the arts make to all our lives. Our partnership with the London boroughs is key here and I am looking forward to working with them in the coming months.

Between July and September 2010, the Government will decide how best to apportion public spending over the next four years and Veronica has clear views on the task ahead.

'Our arts bring billions of pounds into the UK's economy and it is vital that London does not lose its economic competitiveness - or its creative edge.'

http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/news/wadley-arts-must-hold-their-nerve/