The 2011 UK Arts Index Report

In order to download a copy of the Arts Index report you need to become a member of the NCA. The report gives a full breakdown of the data collected across 20 indicators, including in-depth anaylsis of the regional, national and UK wide picture. If you are a member, simply log in and then follow this link.

The Education select committee released its report on the introduction of the Ebacc; a new certificate which recognises A*-C GCSE grades in five traditional subjects. The Ebacc was introduced in schools in January, with the purpose of demonstrating knowledge across a balanced range of subjects, the Ebacc covers a pass in Mathematics, English, the sciences, a modern or foreign language and a humanity (such as geography or history).

As part of their wider digital strategy, Arts Council England has presented the Digital Research and Development Fund for Arts and Culture in a number of cities, over this month. The digital days, which were held in Birmingham, London, Bristol and Manchester, included case studies and Q and A’s about the fund. ACE have one more digital day in Brighton on the 10th August remaining, however presentations from July are now online.

ACE announced its new role as the Designated Competent Body for artists entering the UK under the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent route of the points based visa system. The change means that ACE will now have the power to make recommendations to the UK Border Agency (UKBA) about artists applying for a Tier 1 visas.

The Philanthropy Review has published the findings of its six month review.

The Art Fund has launched RENEW, which makes available £600,000 to help museums build bold new collections.

Recently covered in the press, Baroness Floella Benjamin and MP Don Foster have joined a number of cross party parliamentarians, to discuss issues relating to children’s media and arts.

The Sunday Times Festival of Education is being held this weekend at Wellington College.

Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs are conducting a consultation on “A New Incentive for Charitable Legacies”.

The Home Office has launched a consultation into employment related settlement, tier 5 workers and overseas domestic workers.

The Migratory Advisory Commission is also calling for evidence for its submission to the analysis of settlement of migrants under Tiers 1 and 2 of the Points Based System.

Wednesday saw the launch of the Lost Arts campaign, supported by eight unions, including Equity, BECTU and the Musician’s Union.

Sharon Hodgson MP (Labour) has been quizzing the Minister of State for Schools on the dwindling numbers of art teachers, and the perceived lack of support for cultural subjects in the curriculum.

Boris Johnson was out and about on Monday to promote the recent publication Culture and Volunteering,

On Thursday, Labour MPs raised a number of burning issues during the DCMS departmental question time.

DCMS have launched a CASE tool to provide local data on culture and heritage provision.

The Home Office has launched a consultation into employment related settlement, tier 5 workers and overseas domestic workers.

The RSA has published a report into the future of further education and skills.

On Tuesday, Stella Creasy MP (Labour/Co-op) led a debate in the commons on the importance of heritage.

Tuesday saw the official launch of the Digital R & D fund, supported by ACE, NESTA and AHRC.