How to take the arts to all parts of the UK

http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2015/jun/10/how-to-take-arts-to-all-parts-of-uk

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As Cllr Steve Trow pointed out (Letters, 8 June), the Arts Council recently took a “giant leap” when we announced that no less than 75% of our lottery funding would be spent outside the capital by 2018. The health of arts and culture across the country is incredibly important to us. But there’s a difference between the distribution of funding and the devolution he suggests. Local authority investment for the arts and museums complements ours; they’re our most important partner. But, as arts and culture isn’t protected in all local authority budgets, there’s no guarantee in the model Cllr Trow suggests. The Arts Council already has a devolved structure. Our expert staff have deep local knowledge and work on the ground with councils to see that every community can access the best quality arts and culture. We are also a lean organisation – more than 95% of our income is spent, as the public would expect, on projects for them. Most recently, in the West Midlands our partnership has resulted in £2m being invested in Creative Black Country, taking art and culture to the doorsteps of those living there.Laura DyerExecutive director, Arts Council England

• Following last week’s inaugural BBC Music Day, UK Music and its members would like to record its support for the BBC and the crucial role it plays in supporting British music, and the UK’s cultural and creative sectors. The BBC is a unique asset that defines our country. Its investment and commitment to supporting national and regional musical content is second to none. The commissioning and broadcast support for both emerging and established artists, performers, songwriters and composers plays an important role in British music’s success as one of the UK’s most recognisable global exports. Times and technology may have changed, but the BBC, through its balance of services and commitment to supporting creative diversity across all of its platforms, continues to inform, educate and entertain audiences across the UK and beyond. The British music industry backs a strong and well-funded BBC, one that will secure continued diversity of musical content and help strengthen our position as world leader in music.Jo Dipple Chief executive, UK Music, on behalf of: Association of Independent Music (AIM)British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors (BASCA) British Phonographic Industry (BPI) Featured Artists Coalition (FAC) Music Managers Forum (MMF) Music Publishers Association (MPA) Music Producers Guild (MPG) Musicians Union (MU) PPL PRS for Music UK Live Music Group