News story

Arts Council England makes future funding decisions

National Portfolio announcement made by Arms-Length Body.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Arts Council England today announced their National Portfolio funding decisions from April 2012 onwards. National Portfolio funding replaces the previous ‘Regular Funding’ programme. Delivering this change forms part of the DCMS Business Plan.

All individual decisions on funding are made independently by Arts Council England, at arm’s length from Government.

Responding to the announcement, Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt said:

“While this is obviously a difficult day for many arts organisations the Government has limited cuts to frontline arts organisations and at the same time increased significantly the amount of Lottery money going to the arts.  This means that the Arts Council’s overall annual budget will reduce by £20 million (11.8 per cent) by April 2015, putting it in a much better position than many other parts of the public sector.

“The UK has some of the best culture in the world and we are doing all we can to support it through the challenges of dealing with the deficit, including measures to boost the amount of private giving going to the arts.”

Facts and figures

The overall budget for the Arts Council will reduce by 11.8% over four years in real terms (including Lottery funding).

In addition to Government funding, we are promoting a sustainable mixed funding model for the arts by encouraging private giving. Action so far includes

Further information

Published 4 January 2012