Issue 85, Summer 2009

Theme(s) / Primary Articles:

Education

Contributors:

David Anderson Anne gallacher Grainne Powell Sir John Tusa

Issue 86, Autumn 2009

Theme(s) / Primary Articles:

International Edition 

Contributors:

Katie Childs Mark Pemberton Chris Smith Rebecca Walton

A busy week sees the NCA Arts Manifesto Tour announce dates in Edinburgh and Glasgow. We also provide our response to the Mayor’s Cultural Metropolis report. In Scotland, the Scottish Arts Council has released a report into arts attendance and participation showing strong benefits for education and culture. And as Arts and Business present their new findings on corporate and private investment in the arts, the NCA has been providing informed opinion on BBC London and Radio Four.

Scotland has a new Minister for Culture, External Affairs and Constitution - Michael Russell. Along with this announcement, a framework for the Creative Industries in Scotland has been released amidst budget reforms. In England, the Arts Council launched its free theatre for young people under the moniker ‘A Night Less Ordinary’. And with the upcoming Spring Edition of nca news on its way we welcome submissions for our covering image.

As the economy continues to tighten, Arts Council England announces an organisational review in which 24 percent of jobs are set to be cut in order to help the organisation streamline its way to saving £6.5 million. Also this week, the Conservatives have announced plans to implement a National Music Week to help encourage music participation in schools. And, as the BIG Lottery Fund announces its proposals following a public consultation, the NCA has responded with its thoughts on the themes and initiatives put forward.

This week, the NCA gave evidence to the Home Affairs Committee on the effect the new Points Based Immigration System is having on the cultural sector. A recent survey initiated by the Association on British Orchestras has found that arts events are more popular than sports during a recession and in Northern Ireland, Children Arts – Alive has launched a consultation into the new Children’s Arts Manifesto.

This week, the Arts Council England (ACE) published its findings from its Taking Part Survey and the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) launched The Learning Revolution, a White Paper on adult learning.  The Scottish Culture Minister has also launched a new trial project, funded by money seized from criminals, to facilitate children’s involvement in the arts.

This week, the Government announced plans to create up to 10,000 jobs for young people in the creative industries while also accepting contemporary dancers and orchestral musicians as shortage occupations; the Arts Council of Wales published information on an Investment Review of their revenue funded clients; and the Culture Media and Sport Select Committee published a report on their inquiry of the Licensing Act.

This week, the National Contemporary Art Collections Working Group seeks your views on a strategy for making best public use of contemporary art; the Government welcomes bids for funding of adult learning projects; while a book on young people, education and museums is published; and the NCA has published an advocacy toolkit for use by members in advance of the English local elections in June.

This week, the NCA is counting down the days to our national conference, Future Britain: Arts leading the way and urges you to snap up the last remaining tickets; the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Bill was debated in the House of Lords; and London 2012 invites you to participate in this year’s Cultural Olympiad Open Weekend.

This week, the latest cabinet reshuffle sees the appointment of new Culture Secretary; the importance of the creative economy was debated in the House of Lords; a new guide promoting cultural opportunities for young people was published; and the Community Channel seeks feedback on a programme about community based art in England.

This week saw MPs return to Parliament but it is almost as if they never left with the expenses scandal and troops in Afghanistan dominating the headlines once more. The NCA has submitted its response to the Arts Council of Wales regarding the appeals process. Also this week, we draw your attention to Creative Scotland’s Perspectives online forum, the launch of a Participation in the Arts website, and the Learning Revolution Festival taking place throughout October.

This week we welcome the Arts Council of Wales new funding from the Assembly Government and ballet dancers retain their shortage occupation status. Elsewhere, the NCA has been invited to join Arts Council England’s new Investment Strategy External Reference Group and the National Skills Academy announces funding for up to 1125 new arts apprenticeships. Finally, NCA congratulates the winners of London 2012’s Artists taking the lead project.