Cultural organisations ‘facing real challenges’ over riots

Organisations funded by Arts Council England will be offered flexibility on deadlines and conditions if forced to cancel or postpone planned events due to riots, the public body has said.

Writing in a blog, ACE Chief Executive Darren Henley said cultural organisations are grappling with the need to make operational decisions in "complex, shifting circumstances" due to disorder in towns and cities across England this week.

He added that the need to consider making changes to planned activities in places that have been directly affected by rioting, led by far-right groups, is "a source of real worry".

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• Far-right riots force library and theatre closures
• ACE promises 'flexible' funding terms

"I wanted to be clear, therefore, that if you need to make the difficult choice to rethink or rearrange a cultural event in which Arts Council England has played a funding role – whether as a National Portfolio Organisation, or as an individual or organisation funded through National Lottery Project Grants – we will be as flexible as possible in terms of deadlines and funding agreements," he said.

"If you find yourself in this position, please get in touch with your Relationship Manager or our customer service team; we are here to listen and to help, and our colleagues will work with you to find solutions, and ways forward."

Outbreaks of rioting have led to the cancellation of performances at venues in Stoke-on-Trent, Sunderland and Plymouth as well as the destruction of a library in Liverpool.

On Wednesday evening (7 August) thousands of anti-racism campaigners turned out across the country, while far-right groups were largely absent.

Further potential events

However, speaking to the BBC Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, one of the UK’s most senior police officers, said there is no room for complacency, with the police now “very focused on the weekend" with “many potential events still being advertised and circulated online”.

Henley said that ACE will "stand with" cultural organisations in taking any necessary decisions to prioritise the safety of staff and audience members.

"When we emerge from this crisis, cultural organisations and artists will play a crucial role – as they have always done – in beginning new conversations, offering fresh answers, and bringing communities back together," he said. 

"And as that work takes place, Arts Council England is committed to standing by your side, providing whatever support we can to help you to continue to inspire, unite, and bring joy."