Spending plans, published by the Arts Council today, see substantial investment in new ground-breaking organisations and previously less-recognised arts. Additionally, many companies will receive a step change in their funding to help them realise major ambitions.
Welcoming the Arts Council allocations to its clients, which will see Government investment rising to £410 million in 2005, from £189 million in 1998, Tessa Jowell said:
"This Government has done more to support the arts in this country than any of its predecessors. Today's Arts Council allocations will not only help the arts to set world-class standards, but will also mean that they become available and affordable to greater numbers than ever before. Our 'access to excellence' policy will mean that this spectacular increase in funding will bring the best to the most.
"Last year I asked the Arts Council to focus their new money on quality and innovation, and to give a real lift to previously under-funded art forms. Just as importantly, I urged them to be bold and brave and not shy from tough decisions, not least in reforming themselves. The Arts Council have delivered with distinction."
The Secretary of State also stressed that the allocations reflected the importance of the reform process in the subsidised arts:
"Last year the Arts Council helped me make a constructive and convincing case for extra investment in the arts. They were able to show that they had streamlined their organisation, and were making the most of their public subsidy. This increase is their reward for that reform."
Notes to Editors
Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell announced the injection of an extra £75 million for the arts by 2005-2006 as part of the Chancellor's Spending Review (DCMS News Release 142\2002). She subsequently wrote to ACE Chairman, Gerry Robinson, setting out why and for what purpose she was able to get the extra money for the arts, on 21 November 2002. Copies of the news release and the letter are available from the DCMS press office at the number below.
