History of the NCA

The NCA was established in 1985 when two lobbying organisations - the National Lobby for the Arts (NLA) and British Arts Voice (BRAVO) - joined forces. The organisation was formed in response to a growing concern among members of the arts community that cuts in arts funding and the abolition of the metropolitan authorities were leaving the arts world increasingly vulnerable. The primary aim of the new organisation was to advocate on behalf of the arts and arts practitioners and raise an awareness of the importance of the arts on cross-party political agendas. Owing to the political nature of the organisation's remit it was formed as a company limited by guarantee, rather than as a charity, though in February 2000 the organisation formed a separate charitable wing, NCARE, to spearhead its research and education activity.

The NCA has always operated as a membership organisation. Initially six founder organisations (Association of British Orchestras; British Actors' Equity Association; Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph and Theatre Union; Musicians' Union; Society of West End Theatres and the Theatrical Management Association) provided the seed money to enable the organisation to develop and to become self-financing. The Chief Executives of these bodies also offered their skills and expertise as non-executive Directors. Since 1997 NCA activity has been sustained entirely through membership subscriptions and project fundraising.

Though the threat to the arts may not be as apparent as in the 1980s, when government cuts in arts spending had a devastating effect on the sector, it remains ever present. Despite the current government's commitment to the arts, dwindling lottery funds, low prioritisation on commitments for the Spending Review and the increasing emphasis on the social function of the arts to the detriment of artistic innovation pose a more subtle threat to the future of the sector. There is still a pressing need for the NCA to lobby and advocate government on behalf of all the arts. To join the campaign click here. To learn more about current and past campaigns click here.