Navigating change together

Just like that, we have a new government. The period of sensitivity, imposed during election campaigns on public servants like us, is over, and we can start speaking and advocating again.

In conversations I’ve had with cultural leaders over recent weeks, you’ve asked me how the Arts Council will go about building a relationship with a new government.  And you’ve asked how you can help. Today, as we absorb the reality of the change our country is undergoing, I wanted to offer my early responses to both.

The value of art

During the election campaign our new government signalled they would be side-stepping the so-called culture wars. Freedom of expression and the intrinsic value of the work of artists, arts organisations, museums and libraries are the necessary conditions for a thriving sector. Our previous Secretary of State and Arts Minister assiduously avoided interference in funding decisions, but it’s nevertheless the case that the broader stoking of the culture wars, sometimes by people in positions of power, created a climate of distrust. We made our own communication misstep on this last winter, when our NPO guidance was misinterpreted.  At the time we swiftly and unequivocally clarified our support for artists to make challenging political work, and we will continue to hold fast to that position. I notice the emphasis placed on the value of the arms-length principle during the election campaign and welcome this.

A conversation about renewal

As public servants, we heed the call to service from this new government. We know many creative professionals feel the same way, too.  While the intrinsic value of art is fundamental, many artists, leaders and organisations also view cultural education, and the work involved in renewing our communities, as parallel and complementary vocations. We intend to make clear how cultural organisations and individuals can (and in many cases already do) support the government’s five missions of renewal.  

• We know the profound impact that cultural investment has on places, in terms of regeneration, employment, and happiness. The impact of the investments we’ve made over the last four years in Priority Places – areas of great potential that had been stifled by historic neglect – offer a case study of what can be achieved when cultural organisations and local leaders come together around the mission of local regeneration and growth.

• On education, I have long argued that subjects such as art and design, dance, drama and music should be a part of every young person’s school curriculum. Creativity should sit alongside literacy and numeracy as the bedrock of an excellent education. And these subjects unquestionably have a role to play in developing the workforce and the audiences of the future. 

• Looking further afield, global acclaim and its associated economic benefits are welcome spillovers of allowing artists to fulfil their creative ambitions.  We will showcase to government what our creative people and organisations already do brilliantly to build our global reputation, and what more they could do if called upon.

Preparing for a Spending Review

We anticipate the new government will conduct a Spending Review sooner rather than later. We already have a team in place assembling quantitative and qualitative evidence about the social and economic value of our sector – much of it based on the data you provide us about the work you do and the people you employ.   

We know you are under severe pressure, and we will work hard to make clear to the DCMS, the Treasury, and the government as a whole that we can help deliver their missions - but that our sector needs investment.  I anticipate those conversations will start immediately, and we will work hand in hand with you and your umbrella bodies, to make the best possible case.  

We have, of course, heard and heeded the warnings from the incoming Treasury ministers that there are severe pressures on the public purse. We must recognise that reality, while explaining why it is that we are asking, not for a handout, but for investment. In return we stand ready to make a contribution in service of this country.

What can sector colleagues do now?

In the coming days, the Arts Council will be writing to all MPs in England to explain how public funding for culture benefits their constituencies.  I’m sure many of you will be in touch with them too, but if it’s not yet on your ‘to do’ list, my suggestion would be that you add it. We should welcome our new MPs, not with an ask, but with an offer: an invitation to see how your work adds value to their constituency, and their voters.  Your local MP could become a powerful advocate for your work, if they see first-hand the impact it has. 

A new partnership 

We believe our creativity and our cultural excellence are among our country’s greatest assets – so let’s seize this moment to get into action. Together we can work in partnership with the new government in service of our audiences, participants and visitors to raise the nation’s spirit and nurture its soul.