DCMS extends term of Commissioner for Cultural Recovery

Lord Neil Mendoza’s role as the government’s Commissioner for Cultural Recovery and Renewal has been extended for a second time.

When asked by Arts Professional, a DCMS spokesperson confirmed Mendoza will be continuing in the role for a further six months “to support the delivery of the Secretary of State’s priorities in the cultural sector”.

The spokesperson did not confirm why the role was being extended and whether or not it will become a permanent position thereafter.

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Mendoza was initially appointed as Commissioner for Cultural Recovery and Renewal on an 18-month term with an option to extend on 20 May 2020.

His role was prolonged, with the extension officially ending last Friday (19 May 2023).

Responding to a Freedom of Information, DCMS confirmed Mendoza’s role was to “provide an expert and independent voice to government, and to advise on how UK culture and heritage can begin the road to recovery from the pandemic”.

The role specification says the commissioner would offer the Culture Secretary advice and imput across arts, museums and heritage portfolios and work closely with the ministerial team and department.

“In particular, the role-holder has been appointed to champion and advise on the government’s commitment to supporting the cultural sector to survive and ultimately thrive post-Covid 19,” it continues.

The roles responsibilities include garnering “the strongest, most innovative ideas” for the sector’s survival and renewal and catalysing the support of non-government funding sources, including philanthropists and UK Research and Innovation.

Another key responsibility has been driving collaborative work between DCMS and its arms-lengths bodies, with Mendoza chairing regular meetings between Arts Council England, National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic England and DCMS to ensure “any development and delivery of support to the cultural sector is joined-up, most effective and efficient”.

A former Commissioner of Historic England, Mendoza played a leading role in creating the Cultural Recovery Fund and is a member of its board. He also chairs DCMS’ Culture and Heritage Capital Board and received a CBE for services to arts and culture in the 2023 New Years Honours.

Mendoza was awarded a peerage in July 2020 and sits in the House of Lords as a Conservative peer.