Show latest news, more from April 2002.
ACE/RABs merger finalised
The merger between the Arts Council of England (ACE) and the nation’s 10 Regional Arts Boards (RABs) was completed on 1 April, although the new body is yet to take an official name or identity.
Legally, the RABs have ceased to exist, transferring all assets and staff to the new organisation, which has nine regional offices and one national office, as well as both national and regional councils.
Peter Hewitt, Chief Executive of this new entity, commented: ‘This is not structural change for the sake of structural change. It is about repositioning the arts in this country by ensuring that the main funding and support body – the Arts Council of England with the Regional Arts Boards – delivers greater profile, clout, recognition and resources for artists throughout England. That is our ambition and that is what we will deliver.’
The national and regional offices will, for the moment, continue to work under their existing Arts Council and Regional Arts Board names, and, on a practical level, will continue to deliver services. An announcement regarding a new name and identity is expected to be made in May or June, following the first meeting of the national council.
Show latest news, more from April 2002.
The international who's who in cultural policy, planning and research >