Prospect backs Arts Council review and urges fair funding for museums, heritage and libraries

Steve Thomas, Deputy General Secretary of Prospect, responding to the Margaret Hodge review of Arts Council England, said:

“This is a welcome review, which makes a strong defence both of the critical role of arts funding in our national culture, and the role Arts Council England plays in our cultural and heritage ecosystem.

“Prospect particularly welcomes the review’s acknowledgement of the role of museums, and clear recommendation of the creation of a specific plan for museums within Arts Council England. This plan must include an acknowledgement of the challenges facing heritage workers, where low pay, high workloads and insecurity are often the result of the funding framework.

“We hope these recommendations are swiftly adopted by Government, DCMS and ACE, and that unions and workers are engaged in discussions about how to implement these changes.”

On the recommendation to consider moving the development role for libraries to the British Library:

“Giving the development role for libraries to the British Library would be recognition of the unique skills of those working there.

“There are, however, significant operational challenges facing the Library currently with new management starting in the New Year at a time when the aftermath of the cyber attack is still very much being felt. Any change needs to be looked at very carefully with close engagement with unions and proper consideration given to ensuring the funding, staff and skills that will be required to fulfil the new role.”