Today the Arts Council has responded to the newly published report: Rebalancing Our Cultural Capital, with information outlining how we invest in arts and culture outside of London.
The report sets out a complex picture of the arts and cultural funding landscape in and out of our capital, and rightly it points out that National Lottery funds should continue to target areas with less arts and culture investment. In 2012/13 alone, £174 million of National Lottery funds were invested outside of London through the Arts Council. Here, Alan Davey, our Chief Executive expands on the approach we are taking to ensuring our mission of Great art and culture for everyone.
A response from Alan Davey, Chief Executive, Arts Council England
"Arts Council England welcomes the debate raised by Rebalancing Our Cultural Capital; the health of arts and culture in the regions is incredibly important. Although the report simplifies a complex picture; it rightly highlights we should continue to target lottery funds at places with less investment.
"Much has been done - just look at our investment in regionally based world class organisations like Birmingham Royal Ballet, The Sage in Gateshead, Nottingham Contemporary or Ironbridge in Shropshire. In the last 3 years more than 70% of our lottery investment has benefited people beyond London.
"There is more to do. We are about to go into an investment process for the next three years where we will target our money intelligently across England. We are already using specific lottery schemes that nurture art and culture where there is not enough, and reach more of the public through touring and digital distribution. It is also vital Local Authorities continue to invest alongside us as partners. Local Authority cuts remain the biggest threat to places outside London.
"The per capita figures in the report give a misleading impression that London is just for Londoners. National organisations based in London belong to the nation. They have a role in artistic development, pioneering digital platforms and touring across England. They, along with great art from the regions, also give us a leading role on the international stage.
"We have to continue to build foundations for a vibrant cultural life for the whole country. That's what Great Art and Culture for everyone means."
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The Rebalancing Our Cultural Capital report proposes a 'National Investment Programme' of £600 million over the life of a parliament (five years, or £120 million per year) specifically aimed at new cultural production outside of London. Using 2012-13 as a guide, when £174 million was invested outside of London, the Arts Council would already invest around £870 million over five years.
Arts Council England's complete response to Rebalancing Our Cultural Capital is available here.