The human impact of avoiding controversy
Reflecting on being wrongfully dismissed by the Royal Academy of Music, Dr Francesca Carpos says the sector must create a cul…
Posts
Institutions must show leadership on freedom of expression
It’s often easier to steer clear of challenging issues – but we will all lose out if we censor material we find diffic…
‘Socially closed’ arts sector may be contributing to UK’s divisions
The liberal, left-leaning values of cultural workers leads to “a divergence in worldviews between those tasked with represen…
A tale of two regions? Engaging arts audiences in the West Midlands
Striking differences between urban and rural areas make a strong case for a dual regional policy, argue Anne Torreggiani and Zoe P…
Coventry 2021: a lot more than a party
The city has no intention of shirking difficult challenges in its year as UK City of Culture, writes Chenine Bhathena.
My vision for a radical artist-led hotel
We need bold new cultural infrastructures to tackle entrenched inequality in the arts, says Amahra Spence. Can a new project combi…
From chip shop to theatre lab
Creating a theatre inside an empty shop challenges top down hierarchical systems and provides a safe space for conversations, says…
We don’t celebrate alcoholism, so why are we thanking Lottery players?
Our sector relies on the National Lottery for over a third of its public investment in a country where almost half a million peopl…
Power to the people: how arts charities will have to change over the next 10 years
Arts charities are becoming organisational dinosaurs with models not fit for purpose. Rise to the challenge or face extinction, sa…
Funding ethics: what to do when crisis hits
In the ethical spotlight? Get on the front foot by appealing to values, says Kate Fielding. You need to explain what you’re…
Culture fuels the Northern Powerhouse, so let’s hear it from Northern writers
The North leads the way in using culture to connect people with their past, present, and future. So why does publishing remain so…
Please don’t turn our libraries into trendy arts hubs
ACE is right to focus on libraries in its new strategy, says Hassan Vawda – but it must put communities at the heart of its…
When the best response is an angry one
We should pay attention to what makes people angry – it points the way to growth and real change, says Hayley Williams-Hindl…
The benefits of a regular mental workout
Reflecting inwardly on our values, motivations and mistakes is hard – but make the effort and you'll be rewarded with gr…
Could all schools become arts schools?
Would new proposals for arts funding help all schools become more 'arts-rich'? Or is it too little too late? Sam Cairns as…
Want justice for arts freelancers? Just ask a pirate
Looking for role models who are fleet of foot, democratic, and full of creative flair? Look no further than the Golden Age Pirates…
AP meets… Ed Vaizey
In the first of a series of conversations with sector leaders, Editor Amanda Parker sat down for lunch with former arts minister E…
Discounting: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Offering discounts? If you don’t have a reason for cutting prices and are inconsistent with your offers, don’t expect…
Three reasons why ACE’s new strategy won’t cut it
As Arts Council England prepares to publish its next ten-year strategy, thought leaders suggest a radical alternative.
‘My mother-in-law is a witch’: do’s and don’ts for late tax returns
Left your Self Assessment tax return to the last minute? Don’t rely on excuses to avoid a fine, says Liz Hill. HMRC has hear…
Who’s afraid of contemporary art?
If we think of contemporary art as only suitable for experienced audiences, we are missing huge opportunities to inspire newcomers…
Angry, powerless and invisible: cultural sector migrants speak out
The sector must be held accountable to those suffering under the ‘hostile environment’ immigration regime. Migrants in…
Why great customer service isn’t enough
It’s time we all started thinking of ourselves as experience makers. Lasting memories and positive emotions can be created a…
Creating creative entrepreneurs
The Agency has put young people at the centre of change in their communities. Roisin Feeny and Meghan Peterson share how it is dev…
