Transcript Document
Opera Room Caption: The Opera Room by Helen Ottaoway, Alistair Goolden, Deborah Thomas of Artmusic at the Phoenix Centre, Exeter Photo: Tim Cuff, Apex News Agency Great art for everyone: a long-term plan for the arts and the Arts Council East Midlands June 2008 Catherine Bunting A changing world • the global balance of power is shifting • our population will look very different in 2020 • technology is developing at an ever-increasing pace • consumers are more informed, demanding, engaged • the cultural infrastructure is evolving The arts policy context • ongoing drive for public service reform • new DCMS focus on excellence • creative economy rising up the agenda • a contentious Arts Council investment process • public value: a longer-term view About the arts debate • major research programme to explore how people value the arts • involved members of the public, artists, arts organisations and other stakeholders • interviews, discussion groups, open consultation and deliberation Arts debate findings The public value of the arts • building capacity: self-expression, communication, understanding, challenge, broadening horizons • enriching experience: colour, beauty, passion, emotion, fun, relaxation, escape • powerful applications: bringing people together, linking communities, local identity, learning • value stems from the individual experience Arts debate findings Quality and innovation • quality is an important but difficult concept • can refer to experience, product or project • experimental work can be alienating… • …but people come to see innovation as critical - heightens the creative experience - about concept and process Arts debate findings Barriers to engagement • widespread concern about elitism and exclusion • key obstacles are psychological: - intellectual nervousness - lack of confidence and peer pressure - fear of not fitting in - is it worth the risk? • empowerment not access Arts debate findings What people want from the Arts Council • enable everyone to experience arts that enrich their lives • powerful advocates with real visibility and voice • focus on outcomes not institutions • fairness, transparency and accountability • ongoing dialogue and more involvement in decision-making Arts Council plan 2008-11 Great art for everyone: the two sides of the coin • taking part: a major public campaign to build awareness, enthusiasm and engagement with the arts • world-class arts: fostering diversity and internationalism and building the capacity of arts organisations to excel Arts Council plan 2008-11 Four development priorities • building digital capacity • working with children and young people and developing the cultural offer • contributing to London 2012 • strengthening the visual arts Looking to the future An agenda for change at the Arts Council • develop our ‘value framework’ – public purposes, outcomes and values • involve a wider range of voices in decisionmaking through a comprehensive new strategy • transform our approach to assessment, review and relationships • invest in our people Thank you www.artscouncil.org.uk