Cultural renewal and an end to the culture wars: ACE sets out next steps after election

With a change in government following last week’s General Election, the culture sector must move past the “climate of distrust” created by the stoking of the culture wars, says Darren Henley, chief executive of Arts Council England (ACE).

Henley outlined the arts council’s next steps after Labour’s election victory in a blog published on the arts council's website.

He welcomed the new government’s commitment to respecting the arm’s length principle and “side-stepping the 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,” said Henley.  

“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.”

Henley acknowledged the arts council’s own “communication misstep” last winter, when its advice on how National Portfolio Organisations should handle controversial or political work led to accusations of censorship.

“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,” said Henley. “I notice the emphasis placed on the value of the arms-length principle during the election campaign and welcome this.”

Henley said the arts council was keen to highlight how investment in culture could contribute to the new government’s five missions of renewal, and would emphasise both the intrinsic value of art and the power of cultural education.

“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,” said Henley.

He said ACE would highlight the impact of cultural investment on places, work to restore creative education to the curriculum, and showcase how the creative sector can help build the UK’s global reputation.

Henley acknowledged the “severe pressure” facing the sector and said the arts council was preparing to make the case for investment.

“We anticipate the new government will conduct a Spending Review sooner rather than later,” said Henley.

“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.”

Henley said the arts council had heeded the warnings from 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,” he said. “In return we stand ready to make a contribution in service of this country.”

Henley urged those in the sector to get involved in making the case for culture with their local MPs.

He said: “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.”

Henley said the arts council would strive to create a new partnership with the government “in service of our audiences, participants and visitors to raise the nation’s spirit and nurture its soul”.

He said: “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.”