Weeknotes #13

For many cultural organisations this week has been building up to Arts Council England’s 2023-26 Investment Programme announcement, and it’s finally here.

This Twitter thread from Jake Orr, Creative Producer at HOME Slough, sets the scene before the announcement really well:

What’s happening today in the arts.🧵

Arts organisations across England will find out if they have been awarded National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) status from Arts Council England (ACE). Those awarded will receive funding from Apr 2023 to Mar 2026.

1/ #NPO

— Jake Orr (@jakeyoh) November 4, 2022

There are some incredible organisations joining the portfolio, and it’s great to see much more investment in the North of England.

NEW: We’re investing in 990 organisations for the next three years so that more people in more places can enjoy creativity and culture wherever they are. #LetsCreate https://t.co/jeJYNDJ1NS

🗞️ Get the headlines… pic.twitter.com/nyi6DaTrQs

— Arts Council England (@ace_national) November 4, 2022

I’m an Arts Council England employee in a Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) funded programme, so subject to embargoes, confidentiality and communication black outs. It limits what can be said, but like many, I wish there were more.

There is a big shift in the Investment Principles Support Organisations (IPSO) in this investment round, previously known as Sector Support Organisations (SSO). It’s sad to see the loss of funding for the Audience Agency, Culture24 and the reduction to the Arts Marketing Association. There needs to be more digital skills training and support in the sector, not less.

Whatever your funding decision, if you are a cultural organisation in England you can still access free 1-2-1 support from the Digital Culture Network. We’re here to help if we can.