In response to the report, ACE said it was “heartened to read of the ‘overwhelming’ backing for the principles – of excellence and access – that underpin our strategy, Let’s Create”.
“And we’re encouraged and energised by the review’s recommendations to go further in our support for artists, to search for new sources of funding for the arts, and to do more to grow the cultural offer for audiences, particularly in places that historically have been underserved.
“We also appreciate its unambiguous endorsement of the value of the Arts Council, and its strong backing for the Arm’s Length Principle.
“But we have heard clearly that we have been too ‘prescriptive’ in how we implement Let’s Create.
“We recognise that we must give our artists and organisations more space to articulate their ambition, and that we need to reduce the administrative burden we have placed on them.”
It has already begun to simplify its application and monitoring processes, “but we know that we must do more, more quickly”, a spokesperson said.
“We are committed to using the review’s findings to improve, so that we can better meet the needs of the people we serve.”