Source · Select Committees · Culture, Media and Sport Committee
Recommendation 16
16
Paragraph: 68
Lessons must be learnt from Arts Council England’s emergency funding when it comes to distributing...
Recommendation
Lessons must be learnt from Arts Council England’s emergency funding when it comes to distributing the additional Government support. Support cannot be limited to organisations with a track record of public funding. Although recipients must be able to demonstrate they will use public monies appropriately, such a restrictive criterion risks excluding vital parts of the cultural ecology, including whole sectors that have historically had less engagement with funding bodies such as contemporary music, circus and amateur theatre. In allocating additional sector funding, the Government must ensure support reaches cultural sectors and institutions that are in need, irrespective of whether they have previously received subsidy. It must also ensure an equitable distribution of cultural resources across all parts of the UK— north and south, rural and urban—and support for BAME and disabled artists and audiences.
Paragraph Reference:
68
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Arts Council England has recently delivered emergency funding to both National Portfolio Organisations and £50 million dedicated to organisations that are not in its National Portfolio. In government, and at the Arts Council England, we understand that organisations not in receipt of regular government funding are even more vulnerable than those which do, given their reliance on earned income and philanthropic giving. That is why we are setting criteria to assist the Arts Council England in allocating funds to the most worthy organisations, which will be sure to creatively address the challenges they will continue to face, and to ensure the progress we have seen over recent years towards a Impact of Covid-19 on DCMS sectors: Government Response 11 more diverse and engaging sector is not lost. Funding will be allocated to protect the core of the cultural ecosystem. This will include large, internationally renowned organisations, but also smaller, local organisations, that play a key role in levelling up their local area, or which display expertise in a niche area, and those that prioritise educational outreach, for example. Arms Length Bodies making funding decisions will be looking for a track record of delivering social benefit and welcoming diverse audiences. Organisations in receipt of funding will be expected to demonstrate progress in diversity and outreach over the coming years in return for this investment into their futures. For example, the Arts Council England guidance stipulates: • “Using the protected characteristics outlined under the Equality Act please tell us how you will improve the diversity of your workforce, governance, audiences, visitors and participants” Applicants will be required to detail: • Steps they will take to broaden the diversity of their workforce and governance and the impact of those changes • Steps they will take to broaden the diversity of their audiences, visitor base and participants, and the impact of those changes