UK Government to Launch Review of Arts Council England

The review will be led by Baroness Margaret Hodge, former Minister of State for Culture, Creative Industries, and Tourism, appointed by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy. The panel will include a range of experts from across the arts and cultural sectors, ensuring a comprehensive examination of how ACE functions.

While the full Terms of Reference will be published shortly, the review will focus on several key priorities:

• Investigating ACE’s role in promoting excellence across the country, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of background or location, can engage with and benefit from culture and creativity.
• Assessing how ACE collaborates with partners and stakeholders to align national and local priorities, creating opportunities that benefit communities across the UK.
• Evaluating ACE’s support for both grassroots creativity and world-class art, contributing to a vibrant and dynamic creative sector.
• Considering ACE’s place within the broader cultural funding ecosystem, and strengthening the involvement of local voices in decision-making processes.
• Review ACE’s mandate to ensure it remains relevant and effective in delivering arts and culture on national, regional, and local levels in the 21st century.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy shared her thoughts on the importance of the review:
“For too long, access to high-quality arts has been limited to the privileged few. This review marks the first step in ensuring that arts and culture are available to everyone, no matter where they live.

“I’m thrilled that Baroness Hodge will lead this vital work. Her extensive experience will help us break down barriers to opportunity in the arts, offering young people across the country the chance to shape their futures in creative fields.”

This review represents a significant step toward nurturing a more inclusive, accessible, and vibrant arts sector, with a particular focus on elevating grassroots creativity in all corners of the UK.

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