ACE and HLF consult on long term plans 6 Feb 2018

HLF seeks views on its role, vision and funding priorities      

HLF is seeking views on its direction over the next five years. Chief Executive Ros Kerslake said “we now hold a unique position as the largest dedicated funder of the UK’s heritage and, at a time of increased competition and reduced budgets, want to be sure we are using every pound of National Lottery players’ money in the best way possible.” The online consultation is open until 22nd March. HLF has also published the results of its workshops with 200 National Lottery players across the UK. Participants were pleased with the breadth of projects which HLF funds, but suggested that it should be more proactive in asking people what kind of projects they would value locally, and argued that HLF should make decisions with input from those communities.

ACE launches public conversation around next ten-year strategy      

Arts Council England is opening a public conversation about the issues that should inform its second ten-year strategy, covering the period 2020 – 2030. ACE Chief Executive Darren Henley writes that widening arts access to all socio-economic groups and diversifying visitors and staff will continue to be issues, alongside ‘catch[ing] up with the digital revolution’, the impact of leaving the EU and changing global politics. An online platform is now open for people to give views. Nesta is also producing a scoping document. The findings from these initial stages will be published later in the year.