WIREDGOV

DCMS has conducted a review of Arts Council England which focuses on efficiency, effectiveness and governance. The review took a largely positive view of our work, stating that “having built up its reputation over 70 years, many stakeholders felt the Arts Council was currently at a ‘high point’ in its history.” It also recognised that “Arts and culture provide an enormous amount of value to people, communities and society.”

Reviews of this kind take place every few years, for all non-departmental public bodies. We were asked to demonstrate how we get best value for the taxpayer and our sector, and DCMS consulted with some of our stakeholders to find out their views about how we’re working. The review looked into how our structures and processes help us deliver our strategy, Great Art and Culture for Everyone.

The Arts Council’s role as a development body, at arms-length from government, was considered, and the review identified that this “DCMS has a positive and collaborative relationship with the Arts Council, and it is right that the Arts Council should retain the independence of its decision making at arms length from government.”

We were recognised for our progress in integrating museums and libraries into our funding programmes, and our commitment to improving diversity in the sector. Our staff, in particular our Relationship Managers, were acknowledged for being engaged, helpful and collaborative.

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