Taking the lead

The Culture Forum, a group of 26 cultural leaders, has published a report on how to re-energise investment and funding for culture in England. It concludes that “for too long, arts and heritage organisations have left leadership of their sector to non-departmental public bodies” and suggests that frontline organisations need to “step up to the plate”. Recognising that public investment in the cultural sector is an important lever for economic growth, social impact and philanthropic support, it makes recommendations relating to the need for arts organisations to work with reduced public funds, increase earned income and develop corporate support and philanthropy. Chair of the Culture Forum, Tim Joss, said: “…the report offers practical solutions… in a rapidly changing world. Now we need to hear from colleagues if, how and in what way they want to take these recommendations forward.” The Culture Forum was jointly convened by Arts & Business and the National Campaign for the Arts, to give the sector an opportunity to respond to the Government’s call for a national debate on the economy. Members were elected for one year, and the Forum will formally disband at the end of June.