Following a meeting of its National Council, Arts Council England has announced that it has decided not to proceed with its current timetable for the National Portfolio Investment Programme.
Instead, it is recommending to Government that the 2023-2027 Portfolio is extended to the end of March 2028, citing significant changes in the external context.
Those changes include the Government’s imminent Spending Review, the independent review of the Arts Council reporting to Government later in the year, and the Government’s recent publication of a Devolution White Paper.
Discussions between ACE and Government in relation to this recommendation are ongoing, with updates to be shared as soon as available.
Responding to the announcement, AIM Director Lisa Ollerhead said
“As stated in the announcement there is a lot going on in the wider policy context so we recognise the need for Arts Council England to pause for further clarity.
The recommendation for an extra year of funding, and the certainty that provides, is helpful for organisations in the current portfolio facing economy-wide challenges. However we understand it’s disappointing for those waiting to apply.
We urge ACE to consider how they might support organisations with core needs in the meantime, as well as continuing to strengthen the portfolio with streamlined monitoring and focus on impact.”
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