PASW Regional Newsletter: Spring 2002
Arts Council's proposals for re-organisation of the arts funding system
In March 2001 the Arts Council of England announced proposals to re-organise the arts funding system in England. The proposals were based on replacing the independent Regional Arts Boards with a new single arts agency for England.
From the outset, the Board of South West Arts has expressed significant reservations about the proposals. The Board welcomes any initiative designed to reduce bureaucracy, achieve increased funding for arts, and complete the delegation of decision-making powers to the regions. However, the Board has not been convinced that these proposals as currently described will genuinely achieve these goals. South West Arts has therefore sought reassurance that:
- there will be real benefits to the arts in the South West
- regional decision-making powers will genuinely be enhanced
- regional partnerships, especially with local government, can be maintained
- proposed cost-savings are achievable and realistic, and will not detrimentally affect service delivery
- any process of change can be competently and effectively managed
South West Arts will not agree to any changes until it receives satisfactory reassurance on these matters. At the time of writing, South West Arts expects to receive further advice from the Arts Council in January 2002.
Nick Capaldi
Chief Executive, South West Arts