Arts Council England Funding Decisions 2022-12-01
2022-12-01
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Arts Council's decision to cease funding the English National Opera has left many artists in Sarah Green's constituency out of work or forced to relocate. The cut was announced with little warning, causing distress among those affected.
I thank the Minister for his answer. The Arts Council's decision to stop funding the English National Opera will leave hundreds of talented artists and professionals either out of work or forced to uproot their lives. Some live in my constituency and are devastated by the decision with very little warning. Were the impacted artists consulted before this decision was made?
The Arts Council has taken considerable time reviewing over 1,700 applications and ensuring that £12.6 million in transition funding is available for those leaving their current setup. The dialogue between the Arts Council and the English National Opera continues.
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Assessment & feedback
Whether affected artists were directly consulted before the decision
Dialogue Between The Organisations
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The recent Arts Council funding decisions are seen as part of a levelling-up agenda to correct London-centric bias. However, these cuts have left established institutions like the English National Opera with insufficient notice and in dire straits.
In levelling up efforts, while acknowledging past London-centric biases due to subsidies for the Royal Opera House, is it not crucial that the Arts Council avoids damaging well-established institutions like the English National Opera by imposing sudden funding cuts without a plan? Does he agree there's a need for careful transition and dialogue?
The Arts Council is an arm's length organisation. We have encouraged it to increase transition period funding, recognising difficulties faced by others. Both Arts Council England and English National Opera are encouraged to continue their dialogue on future possibilities.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific plan for protecting institutions from sudden cuts
Encouragement Of Continued Dialogue
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
While a fair distribution of arts funds outside London is supported, the sudden shift in allocation from a shrinking pot without adequate consultation could harm existing arts organisations. The decision has prompted legal threats from affected entities like English National Opera.
We support distributing arts funding more fairly to regions and communities beyond London, but levelling up should not pit arts organizations against each other. Addressing regional disparity by shifting funds lacks consultation and imposes very short timeframes, potentially damaging the arts ecosystem. Is this approach agreed upon?
London will continue to receive significant Arts Council funding, but areas like Blackburn are now receiving funds for four projects. Artists in Blackburn should have access to the same opportunities as those in London.
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Assessment & feedback
Negative impact on arts ecosystem
Shift Focus To New Regional Beneficiaries
Response accuracy