Posted on 24th March 2011
Plans to introduce an £80m match funding scheme to boost philanthropy to the arts and build fundraising potential have moved a step closer following a series of round table discussions between arts leaders, secretary of state for culture Jeremy Hunt and Arts Council England chief executive Alan Davey.
The scheme was originally recommended last December in the Davey Report on Endowments in the Arts, commissioned by the secretary of state for culture as part of the government’s philanthropy strategy. It was then included as one of the 10 action points in Jeremy Hunt’s action plan announced on 8th December, as reported in Philanthropy UK.
Davey says: “I want this scheme to work for arts organisations of all sizes, in all locations across the country, and with all levels of fundraising expertise. And it must attract new money, not match existing gifts.
“Most importantly, I want it to be a first step in a raft of practical measures that equip the arts sector to form lasting and impactful relationships with philanthropists and private givers. This match funding scheme is only the beginning.”
Four round tables have taken place to date – in Manchester and Ipswich (with the secretary of state), and in Nottingham and Bristol (with Arts Council representatives and arts organisations). Another five to 10 are planned, depending on the availability of Mr Hunt.
Discussions have been described by Arts Council England as “very constructive in tone, with engagement in what is being proposed”. It reports “universal agreement on the importance of public subsidy, and consensus on the role which Arts Council funding plays in levering in funds from public sources and offering a badge of quality.”
A wide range of views has been aired on both the match funding scheme and measures that might accompany it. “Crucially everyone thinks that these are good ideas in principle, but people will be interested in the details,” says Louise Wylie of Arts Council England.
Up to £50m of Arts Council England National Lottery income and £30m of DCMS funds are to be invested in the philanthropy initiative between 2011/12 and 2015/16. Around £5m of that investment is for the launch of a pilot match funding scheme in the first year.
Jeremy Hunt says: “The match funding scheme is designed to ensure that small regional bodies have as much chance of attracting funding as our larger institutions.”
http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/publication_archive/endowments-arts/
