Arts Council England unveils big picture for visual arts

IFACCA/Artshub, 28 June 2006,United Kingdom

On the heels of a major review of contemporary visual arts, Arts Council England has launched a new ten-year strategy to prop up the sector. Turning Point - named to flag a 'turning point' for the visual arts sector - is a decade long plan to boost the visual arts in England. It follows an independent review that highlighted the growing popularity of the visual arts around the country. The investigation was the first ever review of the sector undertaken in England. The strategy has five key priorities: audiences, participation and education; support for the artists; innovation and risk; diversity and leadership; and places, spaces, and partnerships. “Six years ago we undertook a major review of theatre in this country and successfully introduced a national policy to help ensure its future," said Chief Executive of Arts Council England, Peter Hewitt. "Turning Point follows from our review of the visual arts. It is a long-term strategy that commits us to working with our partners to build on the huge public engagement in the contemporary visual arts and help develop a new generation of artists and creative leaders.” Sir Nicholas Serota, Director of Tate, affirmed that "public interest in all aspects of visual culture has never been higher, and the contemporary visual arts are one of Britain's great success stories.” As part of the strategy, the Arts Council is working with Tate, the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council, and the Contemporary Arts Society to develop the first-ever national online database of contemporary art in public collections in the UK. For more information, visit www.artscouncil.org.uk/turningpoint

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